Head Removal DIY?

[raleigh29]

I have been doing some searching but haven't found anything.

Is there a 6cyl head removal DIY out there?

[jaywood]

The Bentley manual has a diy in it

[SmokeE30]

It's a pretty straight forward job just disconnect everything under the intake manifold and remove with the intake and exhaust manifolds still attached is the easiest way I have found, although its a bit heavier that way so an extra had to lift it is nice

[Gary Horneck]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm

[Unearth078]

The Bentley manual has a diy in it

not to be that guy, but i would not tackle this project with out... the spiral pattern applies even for removing the head bolts.

[enigmaticdream]

1. Drain coolant
2. Drain oil
3. Disconnect mid-pipe from exhaust manifold OR ignore and just remove the exhaust manifold from the head (6 nuts)
4. Remove exhaust manifolds (12 nuts iirc)
5. Remove fuel rail from intake manifold.
6. Remove AFM, throttle body (4 bolts iirc), and intake manifold (12 nuts iirc)
7. Remove coolant hose on the back of the head.
8. TDC the motor
9. Remove all belts, including timing belt.
10. Remove valve cover and head bolts.

That's roughly what you need to do. You'll need 10-13mm sockets, swivels, extensions, and potentially heat for the exhaust nuts. Prep to replace exhaust and intake studs. You'll need new exhaust gasket, intake gaskets, throttle body gaskets, timing belt (just do it now anyway...). I'd also suggest replacing hoses under the intake manifold while you're there.

For the "bitch hose" under the intake manifold, a zip tie works well in hold it down until you get the intake on.

[enigmaticdream]

If you're going to strip the head, use this...

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Stripping_and_Rebuilding_an_M20_Cylinder_Head

[kickinindian]

i came in here expecting head from body removal...i am disappoint:(

[e30strokr]

It's a pretty straight forward job just disconnect everything under the intake manifold and remove with the intake and exhaust manifolds still attached is the easiest way I have found, although its a bit heavier that way so an extra had to lift it is nice

TDC, a torque wrench and removal/installation of headbolts is the key !!!!! ... like he said its easier to remove the head/manifold/fuel rail together.. dont forget to indentify the hoses/ wires... while it looks easy to remember you'll be glad when it comes back to putting it all back together.... did I mention TDC? just a reminder.. dont ask why haha

[Cletonius]

TDC, a torque wrench and removal/installation of headbolts is the key !!!!! ... like he said its easier to remove the head/manifold/fuel rail together.. dont forget to indentify the hoses/ wires... while it looks easy to remember you'll be glad when it comes back to putting it all back together.... did I mention TDC? just a reminder.. dont ask why haha

+1000 on TDC. Mark the cam also so if it moves you'll be able to line it back up.

It's ridiculous trying to remove the intake and exhaust manifolds on the car. Just do the head bolts and lift the whole thing off at once. Pull the manifolds and everything on the bench.

[AwakenNoMore]

With no previous internal engine experience equipped with basic tools and a downloaded Bentley manual I was able to do it with ease. My advice to you:
Do as much preventative maintenance as possible.
Have the head checked and skimmed.
Avoid Victor Reinz head gasket (I went Goatze)
Clean the head bolt holes out REALLY good, I spent over an hour easily cleaning the holes out with brake cleaner, rubbing alcohol and endless Q-tips.
In the end the results are totally rewarding.