hjd1

My gdaughter has an '87 325i that has oil film in the coolant recapture thingi.. Mechanic thinks it is a blown head gasket or cracked head.. the thermastat does not open at times - I guess due to oil in the system and on the sensors..
My question is: Does anyone know if there is an on line manual that can take one, with pictures and descriptions, through the process of removing the head to self determine the issue.. I've taken a 4.2 Jag apart - and had the head welded and put together myself.. so I'm able - but, need the process well documented. I can follow the directions.
Any help will be most appreciated. Especially, if there are any 'custom' tools needed to accomplish the job.. so I can factor in the cost of me or the mechanic doing the job..
Thanks.

Beachcomer

First, the tell-tale signs of a head gasket being blow is the homogenizing of coolant and oil (either in the coolant resevoir or via the oil dipstick (not as obvious on the dipstick)). The car may or may not "run" or run lousily (due to compression loss). However, to confirm a blown head gasket (very possibly resulting from overheating due to a stuck t-stat), I would perform a compression test on all cylinders and compare to OEM pressure specs and variations. Once confirmed a blown gasket exists, get your hands on a copy of a Bentley manual or through the local library a Mitchell reference manual or a Haynes for your model of BMW.

hjd1

Thanks for the reply..
Yeah.. I've a compression tester.. but, I asked the mechanic that and he said.. the presence of oil in the reservoir and the running hot issue and gurgling of oily substance from the thermostat area release screw indicated a definite head gasket or cracked head scenario.. he also mentioned the dip stick has oily residue on it.. and he, I guess, didn't want to incur added cost.. till we decided. It is a german car shop and has been in business quite some time... they are trusted.
The library.. imagine that.. Hadn't even thought of that.. thanks..