318is - Installing a clutch and then some

[Wes325]

OK, exhaust is out of the way, driveshaft gone, tranny support mounts, etc...
There is a small bit of oil on the bottom of my tranny. The Bentley said that this
is from a crankshaft oil seal. The car is by no means leaking, but it did have some
small droplets of oil on the bottomside of the getrag. Is this nothing to worry about?
Another question is, since I am replacing my pressure plate too, can I reuse my pressure plate mounting bolts? Dealership is closed and I dont feel like waiting
another week to drive my car. To anyone who does there own work or knows
how, please help.

[e30Matt]

Re: 318is - Installing a clutch and then some

OK, exhaust is out of the way, driveshaft gone, tranny support mounts, etc...
There is a small bit of oil on the bottom of my tranny. The Bentley said that this
is from a crankshaft oil seal. The car is by no means leaking, but it did have some
small droplets of oil on the bottomside of the getrag. Is this nothing to worry about?
Another question is, since I am replacing my pressure plate too, can I reuse my pressure plate mounting bolts? Dealership is closed and I dont feel like waiting
another week to drive my car. To anyone who does there own work or knows
how, please help.

I wouldn't worry about it... could just be oil that had been dripped or has worked its way down there. Clean it off, and check back under the car after you start driving it to see if it reappears, and if so, troubleshoot from there.

I'd replace any and all hardware related to the job when doing drivetrain work, but that's just me.

[Wes325]

yeah, I would definately replace them if I could somehow get my hands on some by tomarrow. I'm not too worried about the oil due to it being so little.

[pig4bill]

A few questions, if I may, because I may have to do the same soon.

How hard was it to get to the bellhousing bolts? They say it's a nightmare on the 6 cylinder, wondering if it's easier on the 4.

How long did it take for the whole job?

Did you have a lift, or did you just have jack stands?

Thanks

[Wes325]

Well do to the fact that this was my first time installing a clutch on an E30 it took me longer than it should have just because I wasnt fully prepared for a few event and did't have a few tools that could have saved LOTS of time. The bellhousing bolts are no biggy at all. Go out and pick up some female torx sockets because that is what you will need. I only used 1 3ton floor jack and 2 jack stands.
If you dont have a Bently manual then you need to get one because I would not have done many things right without it. I kept having to run to the dealership for random bolts and a few exhaust brackets that were corroded away. So plan on that. I did pick up new pressure plate mounting bolts. I would not recomend reusing them. You need 3ft of extension to take off the starter. This is a bitch!!!!
I did everything in my garage with a little help from my dad with minimal tools. It was tougher than I thought and my window switch doesn't work now for some reason, ha. But it was fun and saved me alot of money.

[Bill 84 318i]

There's a good chance it's from your rear main seal. Get a new one and replace it while you're in there (don't forget to get a new gasket for the carrier). Whoops, just saw the date on this - hopefully your leak isn't too bad.

I've always been told to replace pressure plate bolts and flywheel bolts.