- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
3.0l Z3 in today for cam cover gasket change, Engine bay degreased and jet washed to get rid of the oil on the block before we started on the cam cover.
Done a few of these on 2.3 and others but this 3.0l had us wondering why it wouldn't lift off when all the circumference bolts were out, then realised there were three other retainers down the middle hiding under the suppressor and the earth straps either end. Once they were out off it came, gaskets not hard but suspect that when changed before the round rubber seals under the retaining bolts were never changed preventing a good lasting seal for the main gasket. New gaskets applied to the lid after cleaning it and Blue Hylomar applied around the half moon shapes front and back. Also used some to hold the gasket into the cover so it didn't fall out when turned over to fit it. Took a couple of try's before it held firm and the cover went in ok. Spark plugs taken out and cleaned, all a good colour and in good order. Dab of Dielectric grease applied to the ends of the ignition coils when we refitted them to aid future removal. All put back together and then an oil and filter change. Started up and let it warm up whilst we inspected for any leaks, passed that test.
Next job will be to fit a new radiator to cure a small weep at the top right plastic area where the overflow pipe fits, small hairline crack there that weeps when hot so probably be doing that next week.
Done a few of these on 2.3 and others but this 3.0l had us wondering why it wouldn't lift off when all the circumference bolts were out, then realised there were three other retainers down the middle hiding under the suppressor and the earth straps either end. Once they were out off it came, gaskets not hard but suspect that when changed before the round rubber seals under the retaining bolts were never changed preventing a good lasting seal for the main gasket. New gaskets applied to the lid after cleaning it and Blue Hylomar applied around the half moon shapes front and back. Also used some to hold the gasket into the cover so it didn't fall out when turned over to fit it. Took a couple of try's before it held firm and the cover went in ok. Spark plugs taken out and cleaned, all a good colour and in good order. Dab of Dielectric grease applied to the ends of the ignition coils when we refitted them to aid future removal. All put back together and then an oil and filter change. Started up and let it warm up whilst we inspected for any leaks, passed that test.
Next job will be to fit a new radiator to cure a small weep at the top right plastic area where the overflow pipe fits, small hairline crack there that weeps when hot so probably be doing that next week.
