Eta-to-M50: Build thread

[bimmerteck]

I can't install the gasket when the o-ring is on the outside of the thermostat. The housing smashes it off when I tighten the bolts down.

No gasket goes there only an o-ring around the outside of thermostat and the orange profile seal that installs into the thermostat housing. ;)

If you go attempt to look up a part # for #7 you'll find it wasn't used at all after the very early M50s all of which can be updated IIRC by purchasing the later style thermostat housing.

[Matt-B]

orange profile is for plastic housing only, metal has no seal there, and there is a 1 piece gasket for whole thing

[Jand3rson]

Fuck it. The old o-ring, which is still good is installed on the thermostat, and the thermostat housing is installed over it, with the new gasket. Moving on!

[bimmerteck]

Motors built up to 5/92 that haven't had an updated thermostat housing use the paper gasket and o-ring, if you look up a later production m50 the Thermostat housing is superceded to the newer one that uses the orange gasket on the right side of the thermostat. The upgraded housing will have a groove for the orange gasket as shown below. The picture below that is the orange gasket that goes there instead of the older paper gasket.

[Matt-B]

Nice, now to install motor

[cramer]

Josh - did you powercoat the original thermostat housing or a new one?

[Jand3rson]

Josh - did you powercoat the original thermostat housing or a new one?

The original one, the one that was on the engine when I got it. Aluminum housing, but no groove for the orange profile gasket.



Like I said, it's all mounted on there now with the o-ring and paper gasket. Should be fine. If there's every any problems, I'll swap out for the one with the profile gasket.

[MR 325]

Are all of those bolts NEW? You crazy son.

[Jand3rson]

The only hardware I'm replacing with new is what will be seen. Everything else is just the re-used existing stuff.

[einstein57]

I reused all the hardware on my driveshaft, axles, etc. My dad never mentioned anything about replacing them. 45k miles and an additional 150+whp later, everything is still together.

[Jand3rson]

I'll never re-use locking nuts again, be it nylon or all metal. And I'll be replacing all the hardware on my drive axles just because I've never replaced them, and god only knows when they were last done. A few extra bucks for peace of mind while I'm in there anyway is worth it.

[Schnitzer318is]

I'll never re-use locking nuts again, be it nylon or all metal.

Agreed. Nice work.

[Lof8]

That engine bay is gonna be pretty!

[z31maniac]

Are all of those bolts NEW? You crazy son.

The only hardware I'm replacing with new is what will be seen. Everything else is just the re-used existing stuff.

My bronze car had new bolts/nuts for everything that was removed. Subframe/lollipops/etc.

Keep up the good work, can't wait to see it finished.

[MR 325]

Wow, I'm a mechanic and have never "replaced" lock nuts. There's no need man.