NEED TIME FRAME !!

[drcrougeux]

ALLO.

How long does it take to remove & replace the head gasket on the
325ic ? The 'shop manual' time. I'll also have the t/belt tensionner
replaced too.
Labor here in Northern Cal is about $130/hr. ouch ! :(
I hate to be hustled.
would it be cheaper to simply replace the engine ?

Need some advice, pls.

10-Q

[Dave]

Get a Bentley manual and set aside a weekend and do it yourself. It really is not a difficult job skill wise - it just takes time.

[drcrougeux]

HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT.

Thank you for the reply.
I'm not a weekend mech or a weekday mech.
So, I'll need to have a friend do the job, since i can't afford
$130/hr at the shops.
How much time will it take, is the question ? 5/8 hrs ? 6/10 hrs ?
A ball-park number will be helpful.

Are bently manuals on e-bay ?

many tks. :)

[Jand3rson]

Should be about a 2-4 hour job, depending on the mehcanical comptency of your friend.

Get your hands dirty, get in there and help too! The best way to learn how to work on these cars, like with anything else, is to do it.

[Dave]

Bentley manuals are on eBay. You can get it from Amazon or Barnes and Noble too. Usually about 30-40 bucks.

[Werksmini]

I have one for sale, 35 bucks and its yours.

[drcrougeux]

10-Q.!!!

OKAY ! !

Wonderful & fast stuff coming from ya' folk.

Maybe 4 hrs ? Will that include the t/belt & tensioner too?

Is there anything else needed besides the (prior to the removal)
1. headgasket set
2. t/belt & tensioner ?

Like other nuts/bolts/ or gizmos that are taken for granted but
not always available ?

I often 'stand by' and serve as the gopher when i'm in the work area.

[Jand3rson]

Timing belt doesn't take hardly any time at all, it's just that it has to be very precise.

Shit, changing the head gasket is easy, it's taking everything off and putting it all back on that takes a long time. ;)

You will need new head bolts, they are single use only. The thick washers that go with the bolts can be reused.

[drcrougeux]

MORE GREAT STUFF !!

10-Q. I live in a small village (500) folk. Nearest city is 15 miles
away and has a Kragens & Napa auto store. Will these spots have
the 'head bolts' ? or are they bmw (only) head bolts ? How many
are there? I hate to wait for the parts to be special ordered and
then discover I need more parts and a 4 hr job becomes a 2 week
project .... :evil:

I do understand crap happens, but I am planning much before the
operation, simply to avoid the dreaded ""oops'''' factor..... :twisted:

I did locate a new Bentley bmw service manual, on-line for $30
with free shipping...
again. 10-Q.

[Jand3rson]

There are 12 head bolts. You can order a complete set of them from any of the online retailers. The best is BMA Parts. There is an orange banner at the top of the page that has a link to their site. If you don't see it, refresh a few times until you do. Give them a call, and ask to talk to Patrick Bright. Tell him what you are doing, and he will tell you everything you need, and they have the best prices.

[AdamF 88iS]

BMW book time for the headgasket is 6.5 hours.

You are out of your god damn mind if you think it's a 2-4 hour job.

[Dave]

I did the T-Belt, Tensioner and Water pump as well as the front seal and it took me about 3 hours - my first time doing that work on an M20 and about 30 minutes of that was trying to get the damn hood realigned when I put it back on. I would guess the head gasket is at least that much work with. I'd figure minimum of 6 hours unless you have someone who has done the same job on the M20 before.

[318driver]

Do you really need to change the head bolts??? Thats odd. why is that?

[Jand3rson]

Do you really need to change the head bolts??? Thats odd. why is that?

They stretch when torqued down to correct specs, hence they are single use. They MUST NOT be reused.

BMW book time for the headgasket is 6.5 hours.

You are out of your god damn mind if you think it's a 2-4 hour job.

Adam, I guess I underestimated the shop-time. :oops:

[llll1l1ll]

I know its old news, but just make sure you get the torx head bolts instead of the hex heads... Y'know, I don't even think they sell hex heads, anymore...