BLOWING HEAD GASKETS !

[drcrougeux]

Allo.
Need some solid mech/tech advice.
I have a 1988 325 ic. In April the head gasket blew and was replaced, including new torq head bolts. Nothing else was needed.
On Aug 19. The new head gasket blew. WTF !

WHY ? WASSSUPPP, HERE ?

PLS ADVISE....

[bmwguru007]

You should go over your cooling system. Did you have the head checked while it was off?

[mikeedler]

your head is probably warped. seen it so many times here in germany. whenever I have replaced M20 headgaskets, I always take the head in and have it shaved.-- or could be a hairline crack too.

[nando]

like mike said, your head is probably cracked or warped. don't worry though, it goes much faster the second time around. ;)

[drcrougeux]

NANDO.

What goes much faster the 2nd time.???
Do you mean the 2nd gasket will blow sooner ??
What is the cost (ave) to shave the head ? (i'm in northern cal )

pls advise.

[nando]

no, I mean swapping it is easier once you've already done it once.

[drcrougeux]

Now, I understand.

How much to shave the head ? (ballpark figure
Are bmw's known for blown head haskets ?
Is this a common problem for the 325 ic's ?
two in 5 months is 2 many.......

conrad

[mikeedler]

if the head is cracked, no shaving of it will help. you need a new head then, if it is just warped, then shaving is the way to go. If you buy a used head, take it to a machine shop have it shaved, and checked for cracks. It costs a little, but so does a set of head bolts, and a new head gasket for a 3rd time.