Mike's e36 Compact Build Thread

[Earl]

You're in luck because I just replaced that seal. You can't find the part number on realoem.com and order it from the dealer?

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Earl

You're in luck because I just replaced that seal. You can't find the part number on realoem.com and order it from the dealer?

I did find the part number and was googling to find one which a few came up but all from the US, So yeah think I may have to ring the dealer

with these sort of things I want to make sure I buy OEM too and not cheap copies, I replaced my rocker cover gasket on the 318 engine with an after market one and it was leaking again within a month lol learnt the hard way!

[Earl]

Yeah you definitely don't want to cheap out on seals. You can either go with ones straight from BMW or you can find out who was the OE supplier and order theirs. Sometimes that's a little cheaper for basically the same part

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Earl

Yeah you definitely don't want to cheap out on seals. You can either go with ones straight from BMW or you can find out who was the OE supplier and order theirs. Sometimes that's a little cheaper for basically the same part

Yeah definitely learnt that! I can't figure out if the leak is just the selector or maybe from where the prop connects. Pictures not the best but do you think its worth replacing that seal too? if so is it hard to get it out?

[Earl]

Whatever has wet fluid and is cleaner than the other areas is the leak. Anywhere there is fluid with a bunch of stuff stuck to it usually is just a result of the leak being thrown around. It is kind of a pain to remove the selector shaft seal but very worth it to change while it is out.

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Earl

Whatever has wet fluid and is cleaner than the other areas is the leak. Anywhere there is fluid with a bunch of stuff stuck to it usually is just a result of the leak being thrown around. It is kind of a pain to remove the selector shaft seal but very worth it to change while it is out.

Okay cool thanks, Yeah its kinda hard to tell, I think it may just be the gear selector leak that has run down and covered everything below it, but might try and find that seal too, worth replacing whilst its fairly easily accessible

[Earl]

I tried outlining how to replace the ones I have done so far in my thread too so that should help=)

[Platanos]

Good stuff, congrats on the motor!

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Platanos

Good stuff, congrats on the motor!

Thanks Hopefully its a good one!


So last night managed to get the gear linkage all cleaned up and ready for the new bushes, Also got a friend that's just started work at our local BMW dealership so hopefully can get the bushes etc I need for a discounted price




Hopefully replacing them makes a difference in how it feels, Also cleaned up the throttle body, just bored really and cleaning stuff until parts arrive or until I can afford more! lol

[Ullsokk]

Nice! It deserves a little more juice the 2.8 is a nice engine

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Ullsokk

Nice! It deserves a little more juice the 2.8 is a nice engine

Yeah the 1.8 feels like its loosing power everyday haha either that or I've just got used to it!



So ordered a few little bits for the new engine whilst I try and save again



Got an Alloy thermostat housing as apparently the plastic one cracks and is a common problem.







Also brought a braided clutch hose, Found a cool place that makes them so thought why not!







Whilst I was there I removed this little clutch delay valve which I read up about, apparently the 318ti never had one, but it makes the clutch a lot more responsive without it..







My friend that got me the engine also had a 2.5 come in at his work and he managed to get me the M50 Manifold for a very good price, need to find a good fitting kit for this and get the ECU mapped and it should raise the bhp to around 220bhp









Other than that I started cleaning and painting a few bits, the exhaust manifold I started to clean the face up ready for new gaskets, and also painted some of the block, Which will prob never be seen but thought I might as well whilst its out.

[minimike]

Got a few more bits done on the new engine over the weekend. Ordered a few bits for the start of the huge service!







Got the new thermostat and housing fitted







The Rocker Cover gasket in the first picture I was sent was wrong so had to go down to the car parts store and get it exchanged for the correct one, but then cracked on with getting it changed, the rocker cover its self had really bad build up of old oil which was a nightmare to try and clean..





I used some Coke which someone told me works well and soaked it in it and then pressure washed it, then took it in side to dry out properly over night under the radiator lol





It wasn't perfectly clean but as good as I could get it and 10x better!



The old gasket was so brittle and had gone like plastic, so I'm glad I got it changed now!









I got everything cleaned up and re fitted everything inc new sparkplugs, Its kind of annoying now having 6 of everything!










I then got the inlet manifold unbolted ready for the M50 conversion, I just need to source a decent kit, But the decent kits seem to be from the US









Also got some company from a random cat whilst I was up the lockup

and the weathers getting better too!












That's all for now until I save some more penny's lol

[Earl]

Did the previous owner of that motor ever know they needed to do oil changes? That is the worst sludge buildup I have ever seen...

[minimike]

Originally Posted by Earl

Did the previous owner of that motor ever know they needed to do oil changes? That is the worst sludge buildup I have ever seen...

I know haha! Its actually worrying me a little, It doesn't look like its ever had an oil change in its life. the return breather to the sump was full of gunk too I just really hope an oil change and maybe putting some Oil Flush though after its as clean as possible will be enough

[Earl]

I would get some cheap oil and run it through and then change it until you feel comfortable with how clean it is.