M20 Head install fail.

[Ether-D]

Jb weld isn't going to do anything. Might as well run it as is if you're that desperate. I wouldn't want bits of epoxy running through my engine clogging up oil passages. Plus you don't want that chunk of aluminum flipping around when it falls off.

This.

[Andy.B]

I would reach out to local members and see if anyone can help you out with a loaner head or a good deal on one quickly. If you were in my area I would gladly lend you a usable cylinder head to get you back on the road. I'm sure there are r3ver's, or e30 folks in your area who would do the same.

Maybe get in touch with the BMWCCA chapter in your region?

[whodwho]

My guess is you didn't have the head timed to the bottom end and you probably have bent valve(s) as well

[soates4]

May run it up to a shop and have someone tig it back on.

[Bothfeetin]

Since this is going to be your DD i would be weary of welding it back on or anything remotely close rotating assembly... If reliability is your goal then just get another head and bite the bullet. IMO, salvage what you can because you will definitely have to start from scratch if that welded on piece were to fall off in the future; a side note is the risk you putting your bottom end as well if that were to happen.

[F34R]

Jb weld isn't going to do anything. Might as well run it as is if you're that desperate. I wouldn't want bits of epoxy running through my engine clogging up oil passages. Plus you don't want that chunk of aluminum flipping around when it falls off.

All of this...and m20 heads are so fuck cheap.

[Exodus_2pt0]

My guess is you didn't have the head timed to the bottom end and you probably have bent valve(s) as well

That makes the most sense. Did you set the bottom end and head to TDC before assembly?

[soates4]

i pulled head again this afternoon. my friend gave me a head that he had and i am going to swap everything. it has a small blemish, will upload a pic soon to determine if it is detrimental or not

[soates4]

this is it

[soates4]

head is not warped. i checked it, id like to avoid the machine shop if possible

[Exodus_2pt0]

Clean it up, do you have a true straight edge? I'm talking thick piece of steel designed to check for warpage. Set it on, shine a light on the other side type deal.

If it's 100% sure to be true, clean and use.

Also get the timing on the head close, and the engine to TDC before install.

[lukeADE335i]

Also - make sure to use washers this time. They'll spread the load across the face of the landing.

[soates4]

im going to pull some out of a 91 m20 tomorrow.

[noid]

head is not warped. i checked it, id like to avoid the machine shop if possible

Sounds like you're going to be doing the job 3 times.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Sounds like you're going to be doing the job 3 times.

Milling isn't a requirement, assuming you know how to properly ensure that the surface is true.