Posted by Chris Itterly - Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 12, 2005 at 16:31:00 from 69.209.118.156
Hey Fellas,
I'm getting ready to replace the leaking head gasket on my 1981 with 180K miles. Just looking for any recommendations you might have before I perform the precedure. My Chilton's manual doesn't have any specifics for the 528i, but it looks pretty straight forward for the other 6 cylinders listed.
The gasket is leaking down the back side of the motor, there is no sign of milky crud under the oil cap or on the dip stick. I'm thinking this is a good thing and the head shouldn't be cracked.
I just got the car, so I don't have a good feel for what power delivery should feel like, but based on the power to weight, my Jetta shouldn't feel quicker but it does, I guess it could be in the gearing ...
While I have the head off, what are your recommendations on freshening it up. 180K is a good run, but if there's still a lot of life left, why bother?
Does anyone have any cam recommendations for a nice upgrade that is still streetable? Going this route might make more sense to rebuild the head, but is it not worth doing with out getting a port job?
Thanks
Chris