Posted by Stewart Harrison on November 17, 1998 at 00:35:20:
In Reply to: Hartge cylinder head posted by Antti Hurtig on November 13, 1998 at 03:55:52:
: My car has an 3.3 (not 3.2i?) Hartge m30 cylinder block and head. The head gasket seems to be leaking. Does anyone have information whether an regular m30 head gasket could be fitted to my car? An original Hartge -made gasket could be a bit expensive..
> Antti: The Hartge engine is a massaged M30 block, usually with
higher compression pistons (9.3 or 9.5 to 1) and a slightly modified
head, with a larger exhaust valve. Mine is a Hartge M5 3.0 and I have
used a standard BMW gasket set without a problem. There are several aftermarket
suppliers of Gasket sets. Elring and Reinz, there is a standard set
and a set for rebuilt heads that have been shaved slightly. The rebuilt set
has a slightly thicker gasket to prevent rough idle that is common with
BMW's with undershaved Heads. My experience with standard BMW engines is that
it is rare for a properly installed head gasket to blow. However, the higher
compression Hartge's and even the standard European cars will occasionally
blow a head gasket.
Stewart Harrison