Help Needed--Head Gasket Blown

MRH1966

MRH1966

Zorg Legend
Joined
Jun 21, 2016
Points
75
Location
Lewes, East Sussex
Model of Z
1.9 M43 , 2.8 auto & 2.0l
As title states.......Do I get the gasket done or do I replace engine with second hand one?................car too good to scrap..........Z3 1.9 51 plate M43 engine.
 
I'd do the head gasket personally. I'm no mechanic as some will tell you but I did my 4.0 straight 6 Jag some years ago and all was well. I'd have thought a 1.9 4 cylinder wouldn't be to difficult assuming it hasn't done any other damage in the process.
 
I thought that as well but.......when I replace the thermostat and water pump about 6 weeks ago the thermostat had broken up......the springs were loose...I think the retaining bit of metal on the end of it had rotted away and has floated into the head and blocked it near the rear......I might be wrong but I would hate to spend a lot of money and then finding out the head is knackered!!!
 
I'll take the risc, if I'll find the parts of the thermostat.
Skim the cylinder head and replace the gasket.
The Zed needs the second chance.
 
If you fit a 2nd hand unit (as I did when I first got into Z3's) you may find you end up having to do a head gasket on that too (as happened to the 2nd hand unit I fitted). Better to tackle yours then you know it's freshly sorted and good for another 70+K miles. Do check the head is not cracked, usually on No.2 cylinder exhaust valve to water jacket. If all appears o.k it would be prudent when having it skimmed to also get it pressure tested (around £30). Replace the cheap nasty plastic water pipes at the back of the head and on the side of the block near the oil filter housing.
As an alternative I do have a complete engine from a 51 plate 1.9 sport if you opt for that route. Additionally I have spare cyl heads if you find yours cracked. To reiterate again, I would sort your own engine if you are happy doing it. I'll look out the photo of the cracked head for you so you know where to look.
 
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Look under page 13 of this section, fifth subject down (Beware ignoring oil filter changes) and you'll see photo of cracked head. The M43 1.9 engine is well documented for head gasket issues, usually a straightforward job so don't be put off. One word of warning though, source OEM quality head gasket and stretch bolts from a motor factor (Payen, Elring or Victor Reinz) and not cheapo rubbish off the net even if it does say Payen - you only want to do the job once. I'd also steer clear of the popular BGA brand (British Gasket Association).
Go for it, you'll get a good sense of satisfaction. PM me if in trouble.
 
@Synclare thanks for the advice mate. Will probably go for gasket now. Just got to find someone to do it!!! I am quite handy at most things but I think this is a bit out of my comfort zone!!!!
 
From what I gather it can cost up to £1,000 for a garage to do so make sure you get a written quote. The economics is usually the reason these 1.9's get scrapped. I would have thought c.£600 would be more reasonable myself all in. Shame you're not more local, would have happily guided/helped you with it.
 
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Can't help but suggest you stop towing caravans with it :)
 
I would go for the gasket change, but make sure you get the head checked for cracks when you take it off.
 
I bet you will find the rear head bolt exhaust side has snapped.
Regular on an M43, the gasket goes soon after. That happened to my wife's
see below.

..
DSCF1878.jpg



The culprit?
DSCF1877.jpg
,
next to the cam sprocket in the photo, is the sheared head bolt which was lying flat under the rocker cover and the retrieved thread from the block....


DSCF1862.jpg

New gaskets and stretch bolts fitted all round, head skimmed, pressure tested and refitted.
Oil/ filter changed once, (to do again) newly flushed cooling system and antifreeze, and thermostat checked OK.

Cost? £130 in gasket set/bolts/oil/etc etc and £300 to a mobile mech (which included head work).
 
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