316i overheating

[nedeus]

Hi everyone - I hope someone can help. My 316i 1998 has been overheating and I have replaced the thermostat and checked the water pump. I have also bled the system over and over and after a few days it was over heating again.
Finally I bit the bullet and took of the head to see if the gasket had gone - it looked OK!! Except the back cylinder (furthest from the radiator) was very oily and teh inlet manifold on this one cylinder is very oily too.
I am getting the head pressure tested tomorrow but I don't understand why I would get so much oil in the inlet manifold. If the head is cracked I suppose it could make sense?
Anyone out there have any similar experience. If the head checks out then I rebuild but am none the wiser as to the fault.
Hoping you can help
Nedeus

[marti5]

I would say that either you have a cracked head, failed gasket.

I would go for the gasket, even though it looks fine it only takes a pin head sized point to fail, which will be hard to see with the eye.

[nedeus]

Thanks for the advice - I have taken off the head and it was warped - now skimmed with new gaskets and back on the car. (After 3 full days of work! - I was very worried) Started first time - hurray. but will not idle/tickover properly - very low revs and lumpy -if I hold down the throttle it revs fine

Anyone any ideas - is it something to do with the emgine management? When I had it skimmed - 10 thou - the workshop said the compression would be slightly higher as I have use a standard gasket. Don't know if this is relevant

[marti5]

Did it idle ok before?, try cleaning the throttle body and see what happens if you unplug the MAF.

[nedeus]

Checked the electrical connections on the Throttle body (for the sensors) re fit them and hay presto it now ticks over. Thank God!

By the way what is the MAF?

And thanks again for the advice.

[marti5]

Glad I was of some help and you've sorted it out, MAF (mass air flow) sensor, situated twix the air-box & throttle body.