Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech
I think you are a smart man to know your limits  The chances of doing a successful head gasket job get exponentially less each time you redo it especially of you are going to go back into it thinking something like the aux fan caused it. |
The second HG job should be easier than the first. For one thing, the fasteners are likely easier to remove. For another, the person doing the HG job will know what to expect.
If OP did in fact gouge the head on the locating dowels (possible), maybe he'll try lowering the head with an engine hoist and lining up the holes with wooden dowels before dropping it on to the block.
I did my 2nd E53 head gasket in 18 months because a failed aux fan DID cause it. Both my clutch fan and aux fan failed. Neither one threw a code. I noticed it when the car was in traffic and the coolant temp gauge went off center towards the right. Once I was moving, coolant temps went back to normal. My kids drive the X5, I am sure this happened to them, the car overheated, and I never heard about it.
I replaced both fans and the head gasket and I have had no engine problems since...18 months, 15k miles.
OP - leave the exhaust manifold attached to the head and remove/replace the head with an engine hoist. Problem solved.