zeitgeist57 Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 I already texted a couple of people on here for opinions, but unfortunately I discovered last night that the head to my BMW 318 (M42B18 - 1.8L 16v 4-cyl) is cracked at the #3 cylinder by one of the intake valves and a waterjacket. The headgasket LOOKED to be alright, which the crack would explain why the cooling system was pressurizing and overheating without much in the way of steam out of the exhaust. I've already dropped it off with Mike @ M&M Head Service in Delaware who rebuilt the 300ci inline-6 in my Ford F100 a few years ago. He said they would disassemble the head and clean the parts/valves, then his cast aluminum welder will look at what it takes to repair the crack. Provided it can be properly welded (grind, weld, oven bake to cool down the head properly), they will machine the head and reinstall everything. Range for entire R&R and repair is $300-$500. I've gotten guarded responses from people, and I'm certainly aware this can be a risky repair though I do have faith that if someone can fix it, it's M&M. Anyone gone through this process before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 Risky yes but A good repair as well. Same when a block cracks or anything else. Would it be better to buy another or upgrade the head from another inline 6 motor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mensan Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 Steve it's a 4-cyl, his inline 6 was his truck head. Clay, can you pick up a used head, have the repair done and sell your head? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gergwheel1647545492 Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 Clay, can you pick up a used head, have the repair done and sell your head? Do this, stop throwing money into this car, its almost as bad as a boat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted July 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 If I got a used head (M42club.com has some dude with a bunch in Pittsburgh) I'm going to be in it for nearly as much money in transportation/machining as I would just repairing this head. Truly, I'd get a used head if there was a better option locally. FWIW...this ain't no Geo Metro engine...the head is massive on this thing; shipping is $150+ for any meaningful distances with the used ones I saw on eBay. So...I could get something used and gamble, or pay just as much money on shipping for a rebuilt head than I could have Mike @ M&M do a full rebuild locally. I'll wait to see what his prognosis is next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyM3rC Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 You really can't find any locally in a junkyard or complete running motors for that price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 I could probably get it shipped cheaper for you. Get me a weight and approximate dims (boxed and ready to go) and I will see if I can get you a quote. To give you an idea, I had an entire engine shipped from Texas and paid $100 in shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TA In Progress Posted July 22, 2015 Report Share Posted July 22, 2015 Car-part shows Wirthman's having a head as well as a guy in Middletown. No prices listed, but might be worth a call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS69 Posted July 25, 2015 Report Share Posted July 25, 2015 Have Mike rebuild it, if you buy a used head you might have the same issue again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 FYI because I am sensitive to this... - I've got the rebuilt (but without cams and trays) M42 head on eBay for $550 shipped as a back-up option. - Car-part.com showed a couple junkyards with M42 heads, but already one near Cincy was actually an M44 head which I can't use. Going to find out what Mike has to say... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeto67 Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Clay, Have you checked at the Pick-n-Pull? They are showing a 1995 318i in their inventory - that would be an M42 head. 2716 Groveport Road Columbus, OH 43207 US 614-497-9152 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 I saw that, Kerry...not able to make it down there in time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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