Hopefully keeping the same engine as prior to this it was a gem but yes a replacement engine is an option.
Z3's gone to Hospital
- Thread starter Paul Rice
- Start date
Love the twin cam engine.
What mileage has your car done Paul and has it significantly overheated? I understand that head gasket failure is not uncommon on the M44 engine due to overheating. I would be inclined to replace it/have it replaced rather than change the known engine for one that could have/develop the same issue. Once done, the engine should be fine for a long time. Other than the head gasket weakness, these engines are generally considered "bullet proof". Good fortune.
Cars done 98k. Never actually overheated Ian, just stalled and on re starting horrible knocking noise and only firing on 2 cylinders.
Still not sure what the damage is. Will be a couple of weeks before the head comes off.
Still not sure what the damage is. Will be a couple of weeks before the head comes off.
I'm no expert, but it seems odd that you would get a knocking noise with simple head gasket failure. Will be interesting to know what is found when the head comes off. Fingers crossed for a good outcome.
Good luck Paul. At leat you have half an idea what your looking for mate. Carl 
Paul,
What is the latest news?
CW
What is the latest news?
CW
Latest news very little, the special tool for locking the cams has arrived but spent any spare time this week getting the Z4 ready for the Nationals at Gaydon, plus my very able assistant has been doing that thing called work this week.
Hopefully get some time on it next week.
Work... isn't that a four letter word?
Well decided to open the bonnet to prompt moving on. Had a bit of a scare using a endoscope firstly down cylinder 4 first impression was two valve heads embedded in the piston, well that was the first impression. Managed to take a picture seems to be some sought of casting new to me! Checked what i know is a good cylinder No2 exactly the same so from looking terminal back to fingers crossed
Your right that’s what you should be seeing. Some of the cleanest pistons I’ve seen.
Update: it’s a characteristic of the piston head to increase the efficiency of the bang process. Has a funny name but it escapes me at the mo
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With a lot of help from a friend the heads off, It looks like the problem has been found (hopefully) So its off to be skimmed, Head gasket set and new head bolts to be ordered. Then the fun begins remembering where everything goes.
Yep, that would it make it run as rough as a Badgers Arse without a doubt.
By the same token it's always nice to find something definite!
Tony.
By the same token it's always nice to find something definite!Tony.
Gone between the pistons. I did one on a XJ6 once and considering my amazing spanner skills found it pretty easy, I just got a man in to do the timing before I fired it up. It ran fine and sold soon after.
Good guess Tony, ever thought of being a mechanic?
Been known to right a couple of times over the years mate
Tony.
ps. The give away is that it happened fairly quickly if I recall right.
Tony.
ps. The give away is that it happened fairly quickly if I recall right.
Yep car ran perfectly never using oil or over heating, after a steady drive off about 30 miles stalled at a set of traffic lights re started on 2 cylindersBeen known to right a couple of times over the years mate
Tony.
ps. The give away is that it happened fairly quickly if I recall right.
Wow that's really gone. Bet your chuffed now you've found it.