RE: <E30>Oil pan gasket questions

[Daniel Chenault <DanielC@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It was pointed out to me off-line that the block and pan on this engine
are both aluminum. Don't use a wire wheel brush; fine sandpaper backed
by a wood block.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pearson-Franks Family [mailto:pearsonf@domain.elided]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:18 PM
> To: emh1@domain.elided
> Cc: bmw@domain.elided
> Subject: <E30>Oil pan gasket questions
> 
> 
> Hi, Eric!
> 
> Several comments on your oil pan question:
> 
> 1)  First, please note the series number in the Subject line.
>     This helps those of us who skim a lot of these looking
>     for the topics of interest.  Just a thought.
> 2)  This is a common failure, so count on it getting worse.
> 3)  The previous post was correct in it's conclusion:  replacing
>     this gasket will not trigger additional failures.
> 4)  You will gain working room by removing two through-bolts
>     securing the steering rack and letting it dangle.
> 5)  You may have to remove the power steering pump mounts
>     and swing out of the way.
> 6)  It is not _necessary_ to loosen the engine mounts and
>     suspend it from above, but if you can, do.
> 7)  You will have to remove the oil pump to disengage the
>     oil pan; two 13mm cap screws in front and one 10mm on
>     the back.  Obnoxious, but doable.
> 8)  If you are planning to own the car for a long time, put
>     in a new oil pump - $150ish, and they _do_ wear out.
> 9)  Technically, you do not need to use a sealant on the
>     gasket, but you will find it much easier to reinstall
>     if you 'glue' it to the pan surface with a non-hardening
>     sealant to keep it from dropping inside when you wrestle
>     first the oil pump, then the pan back into position.
> 10) Can't tell from your address if you live in the Salt Belt,
>     but if you do, or your ride did, you will want to clear
>     all the pan bolt holes with a 6mm tap, and clean and lube
>     the pan bolts as well.  The part that sticks up above the
>     block will be rusty.
> 
> Any specific questions, drop me a note.
> 
> Later, Larry F.
> 
> >Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999 21:12:31 -0400
> >From: "Eric M. Hunt" <emh1@domain.elided>
> >Subject: Oil pan gasket questions
> >
> >I have an '87 325iC with 150K.  The oil pan is slightly 
> leaky and may be
> >getting worse.  My question:
> >
> >Q:    Should one replace an oil pan gasket on this old of a 
> car?  I have
> >heard that if you replace the gasket, the "top end" or head 
> gasket/valve
> >cover gasket will then leak as a result?  Is this true?  Is 
> this okay to
> >do?
> >
> >Q:    When replacing the gasket, should a sealant be used?  I have
> >purchased the factory, cork-type gasket.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Eric Hunt
> >
> >
> 
> Larry Franks
> Issaquah, Washington
> '95 540i/6
> '86 535i
> '83 245 GLT  (Swedish iron)
> 
> 
> 

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