M20 needs engine rebuild...

[CharlesAFerg]

It's running, but it's slowly losing compression, and the test indicated a possibility of a slight head gasket leak. (cylinders 5 & 6)I don't have the expertise to complete that job, and labor would be as much as the car is worth.

Any suggestions? I've been wanting to upgrade to a 540, but won't be able to if I can't sell the car. I don't really want to spend the money on it because I'm actually not impressed with not only the power of the M20, but the 15.4MPG. It's an absolutely unnacceptable number for the 2.5L.

Are there any guides to rebuilding it? How long does it usually take? I can get free help from friends and my dad who would know what he's doing, I just can't pay for the labor costs.

[Evan]

with your dad, your friends, and us, you can make that motor hum... i'm in the planning stage for my M60 head gasket project.. i'll share whatever info i can with you

[CharlesAFerg]

with your dad, your friends, and us, you can make that motor hum... i'm in the planning stage for my M60 head gasket project.. i'll share whatever info i can with you

Awesome, I'm going to pull up some favors and see if I can get this done myself.
How many miles do you have?
How long do you think it will take you?

[Evan]

you can get it done... no doubt.

plan ahead to see what you'll need... gaskets.. nnuts, bolts, etc...

i'm thinking it will take me a week or two... the machine shop will have the heads for a week probably... so we'll see... then about 24 total hours on my end...

[632 Regal]

you are going to get new rings and bearings too?

[E34 530]

meh, it's really not that hard. I'm only 18 with minimal tools and took apart two m20's and am currently building a stroker...

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=32914&highlight=project+e30

Buy yourself an e30 bentley and go to town.

[gmannino]

You must have a bentley repair manual.
Plenty of tools and esp sockets.
Gotta have the head straighten and tested for leaks.
Take your time.
I've done it a few times, it took me 8 hours total the first time, 6 the second time.

[gmannino]

BTW, the m20 is the easiest bmw engine to work on.

[CharlesAFerg]

meh, it's really not that hard. I'm only 18 with minimal tools and took apart two m20's and am currently building a stroker...

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=32914&highlight=project+e30

Buy yourself an e30 bentley and go to town.

Holy crap, thanks Andrew.
I have tons of tools at my disposal, and I think that I've got the right size mechanism to lift and hold the engine out too.
-Andrew

[E34 530]

Holy crap, thanks Andrew.
I have tons of tools at my disposal, and I think that I've got the right size mechanism to lift and hold the engine out too.
-Andrew

No problem. If you don't have an engine stand or engine lift, see if there's a tool store near you called harbor freight. My friend got both the engine stand and lift for about $200 I believe.

[markus]

once the engine is rebuilt where are u located/ is it a 5-speed?

[CharlesAFerg]

once the engine is rebuilt where are u located/ is it a 5-speed?

Portland, OR (Says it by my name man, lol)