Cylinder Heads Cracking?

[BMW-ATI]

question? how can u tell if you have a cracked cylinder/cylinder head?

and are they a common problem on bmw's?

thx

[triggrhaapi]

do you see cracks in your cylinder head? If so, you may have a cracked cylinder head.

[BMW-ATI]

I dont, but I was asking for Infomative purposes, (read my first questions)
i am jsut basically asking, what are common signs, (that u dont have to open the engine to see/feel)
and are they a common thing on bmw's, and how do they happen?

[BeachBunny]

Originally posted by BMW-ATI@Jun 15 2005, 09:13 PM
I dont, but I was asking for Infomative purposes, (read my first questions)
i am jsut basically asking, what are common signs, (that u dont have to open the engine to see/feel)
and are they a common thing on bmw's, and how do they happen?

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Do a compression test, if it's low on one or two cylinders, do a leakdown in each, listen for escaping air, diff results tell you diff things. Google up "leak down test".

They can be caused by overheating, crappy head design...

THey're not "common" on BMW's so much as common on cars that aren't taken care of.

[BMW-ATI]

So it's kinda a rare thing then?

[BeachBunny]

Originally posted by BMW-ATI@Jun 16 2005, 05:31 AM
So it's kinda a rare thing then?

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Eh, I would say so... but only because I haven't had any problems with it... anyone else may have another opinion. Why do you ask? I guess I would say that if it's not a very old car and it's been pretty much well maintained, your chances are pretty low.

[Gkamysz]

Cracked heads usually result in lost coolant. Check for steam or coolant leaking from the head. At least that what happen to my Mitsubishi 2.8 4cyl. When it was low on coolant. Heads crack or warp when overheated.

[BMW-ATI]

indeed, so if it doesnt overheat i will be fine?

[aheath]

Originally posted by BMW-ATI@Jun 17 2005, 11:38 AM
indeed, so if it doesnt overheat i will be fine?

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I might sound like an a--hole, but you're asking questions that have "common sense" answers. Of course if it does not overheat you'll be fine. However, if you have a cracked head it's going to over-heat.

[BMW-ATI]

So what causes a cracked head is what Im asking
or is that what overheating does?\

srry easily confused

[BMW-ATI]

btw I dont even know what a cylinder head looks like, anyone got a pic that'd help to, as well as my above question?

thx

[Gkamysz]

Aluminum heads crack or warp when overheated. Iron heads can survive overheating.

BMW-ATI, it sounds like you want to learn about cars. It's pretty obvious that you have little experience with cars, but quite bit of drive to gain some. I learned my stuff when I was about 12. My neighbor, who taught highschool auto class, gave me a textbook. Go to the local library and look up some books. They will be in the 629 area, with all of the mechanical stuff. You might even see a service manual for your bimmer. Once you have an idea of what you are looking at things will make sense. I did an engine swap for a buddy when I was in highscool. Why I didn't take auto in highscool, I don't remember.