Buying a 2.0l m20 cylinder head

[Fraz06]

Hey Guys, Im replacing the cylinder head on my 320i and would like to ask what should i look out for when buying another cylinder head? what kind of questions should i ask before buying it? as i've never bought a cylinder head before and was wondering if any you guys with experience on this would be able to point me in the right direction regarding what to look for and what questions i should ask before buying it.

Thanks Guys

Fraser

[DaveVoorhis]

Asking questions might not help much, because people can answer any way they like. Best you should see it before you buy it.

Watch out for cracks in the cam journals; heads that are sold as complete but are just a cracked and warped shell without cam and valves; worn valve springs, cams, and/or rockers; stripped valve adjusters; burnt valves; warpage; damaged sealing surface, erosion of water passages so bad it eats into the combustion chamber, etc.

See http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/525i/26Jun05/ and http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/525i/27Aug05/ for my tales of woe in finding an M20 head, plus pictures of cracks, etc.

[Dave M]

I guess it somewhat depends on who/where you get it.

One of two scenarios:

1) If being sold by a shop, request a warranty if possible, so you're covered in case of cracks etc. Maybe you'll find a good refurbished 'running head' that you can simply install.

2) If being sold privately, ask to get it pressure tested and checked for 'straightness' before purchasing.

Other things include valve seals, which you may as well have replaced before you install. A machine shop can also check for valve guide wear.

You just don't want to buy, or further more install, a cracked head.

[whiskychaser]

You dont say what sort of money you are looking at. But you may want to check this out. They can also supply your head gasket and bolts etc:

http://www.fabautoparts.co.uk/cgi-bin/ss000001.pl?RANDOM=NETQUOTEVAR%3ARANDOM&PAGE=SEARCH&SS=m20+cylinder+head&TB=A&GB=A&SX=0&ACTION=Search

[Jon K]

I guess it somewhat depends on who/where you get it.

One of two scenarios:

1) If being sold by a shop, request a warranty if possible, so you're covered in case of cracks etc. Maybe you'll find a good refurbished 'running head' that you can simply install.

2) If being sold privately, ask to get it pressure tested and checked for 'straightness' before purchasing.

Other things include valve seals, which you may as well have replaced before you install. A machine shop can also check for valve guide wear.

You just don't want to buy, or further more install, a cracked head.

Dave did you get my PM?

[Dave M]

Dave did you get my PM?

OOoops, yeah, but forgot to send the stuff. You'll get it tomorrow am.