Z3 Project / Rescue

[Cheddars]

Hi guys, thought I should start a blog

This is my Z3 2.8 I purchased from a work colleague of my dad last week. He had owned it for a number of years until it overheated just over 6 months ago, it was then towed back to his house and sat there ever since unloved. It was his pride and joy, I felt awful buying it from him and promised I'll get it back on the road some day.

It is fitted with many things as he planed on keeping it forever, the biggest things being lowered on eibach and is fully polybushed. I keep finding new bits everyday.

After chucking a new battery on and a quick check of the engine she started straight away and it sounds absolutely superb. It ran so well I thought I could be in luck here, the head gasket could be ok, sadly life doesn't work like that and a compression test last weekend comfirmed my suspicions.

Plans: I used to do track days in a Astra coupe 2.2 and I completely miss those days, so once fixed some track days are on the list and a dream of mine is to visit the nurburgring and feel this is the perfect car for it.

Problems: blown head gasket, exhaust has seen better days, rusty brakes, no mot and a leaky pas bottle.

 

[BMBabe]

@spurs fan in a coupe can help with parts
Good luck with the project
I love a Zed rescue project

 

[oldcarman]

Looks like a great example, now sort that engine and get on with enjoying it! JIM

 

[billz]

Agree with Stacey @BMBabe one of our resident breakers should be able to help. If they can not help with the Exhaust then you can pick an after market exhaust up for around 300 for a cat back system if you shop around

 

[Cheddars]

Cheers guys, no real updates, I've been trying to trace the cause of it overheating

It's not the waterpump, looks brand new on the inside

So I've replaced the thermostat and viscous coupling

Old thermostat was bent at top and didn't react to boiling water

Met up with Gizmozed / Dave, who gave me his old boot rack for a bottle of wine, guess he's an alcoholic with a stunning Z4

And thought I'd show my daily. It's a 99 Honda Accord Executive, named Henry, I've owned for a number of years and has never put a foot wrong. It's totally old man but so so comfortable.

Next on the list is to bleed the radiator and see if it still overheats and how it runs to see how bad its head gasket has let go

The compression test results (cylinder 1 to 6):
1- 210psi
2- 188psi
3- 188psi
4- 185psi
5- 195psi
6- 205psi

Parts replaced so far:
Thermostat,
Viscous fan coupling,
Spark plugs,
Rocker / cam cover gasket

 

[Antm72]

Your on the right track i'm sure. The parts you have replaced so far would have been advisable if the head gasket has gone but easy stuff first and hopefully a result.
Will watch with interest.

 

[Grumps]

I'm suprised at the head gasket going to be honest, especially if It's been looked after. It's not done big miles. Virtually the same as mine, i will watch with anticipation.

 

[Mnbrennan]

That boot rack...

 

[oldcarman]

Set up for sheep hauling I believe @Mnbrennan?? JIM

 

[t-tony]

Set up for sheep hauling I believe @Mnbrennan?? JIM

Speaking of which Jim, me and Shirl saw one of @MAURICE THE MARTIAN girlfriends on the wrong side of the fence on Sunday morning as we came through his playground ..................................

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

Probably waiting for him to show up and take her away as he promised!! JIM

 

[Gizmozed]

Met up with Gizmozed / Dave, who gave me his old boot rack for a bottle of wine, guess he's an alcoholic with a stunning Z4

Oiy, you cheeky young whippersnapper - just coz I like a tipple now and again

 

[Mint]

... just coz I like a tipple now and again

Nothing wrong with the odd glass of wine in my book, I'm with you Dave..................mmmm must be a Dave thing

 

[t-tony]

Nothing wrong with the odd glass of wine in my book, I'm with you Dave..................mmmm must be a Dave thing

.................. Err, no, it's not ..................... hic!

Tony.

 

[Cheddars]

Currently trying to bleed the radiator, left running for roughly half hour and doesn't appear to be overheating, but also the heater isn't coming through as hot

 

[Brian H]

Currently trying to bleed the radiator, left running for roughly half hour and doesn't appear to be overheating, but also the heater isn't coming through as hot

Have you got the heater tuned up full, this is needed to circulate the coolant through the system.

 

[Cheddars]

Had it on the 3rd setting, seems a right bugger to bleed. There is an endless amount of air

 

[t-tony]

These can be a real pain, sometimes jacking the front of the car up helps. Have you undone the bleed screw on the radiator and left the filler cap off. Sorry if these are things you know mate.

Tony.

 

[Cheddars]

Tony, don't be, I'm honestly grateful for the help buddy

I've put it on ramps, via the picture, is that high enough for front of car? And I've just been using the bleed screw on top of radiator, didn't realise the cap needed to be off too, oops

 

[t-tony]

It just helps sometimes mate, also running a fast idle (2,000 rpm) can sometimes get the water circulating too. Also squeezing the hoses while it's running helps, but be mindful of the cooling fan.

Good luck.

Tony.