need heavy advice freaking new problem

[1iwilly]

i'm leaning more towards just head gasket so i hope.the only time i see the antifreeze is when the truck is at normal op temp and the radiator builds its normal 13lbs of pressure if i open the rad cap to release the pressure it goes away.

Originally Posted by upallnight

Sounds like they had a overheating issue at one time and tried to fix it. Nothing they did worked so they decided to dump the BM Trouble U. In addition to the Head gasket, the head and block could be warped.

[tmv]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Sounds like they had a overheating issue at one time and tried to fix it. Nothing they did worked so they decided to dump the BM Trouble U. In addition to the Head gasket, the head and block could be warped.

That's my initial thought (post #9). Hopefully it's not that.

[upallnight]

At the very least I would take the head into a machine shop and have it check to see if it got warped. Not knowing if the head is warped will come back to haunt you if the problem still persist.

[puddinboo]

if the head is warped can`t you just machine it down a bit if its not out by much?

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by puddinboo

if the head is warped can`t you just machine it down a bit if its not out by much?

Depends on the engine. I don't know if it is possible with yours.

Your symptoms don't sound to me like a warped head but it is certainly possible. I agree with checking both the block and the head and if the head is warped picking up a used one somewhere.

You haven't had to add any coolant?

[TiAgX5]

A knowledgable shop can do a compression/leakdown test to identify the issue.

[1iwilly]

here is a little back ground i was a mechanic by trade for 18 years. i gave it up in 95 to drive trucks so, i don't have any problem doing the job the problem is that i had to order the special tools needed to do this job.second i can't find the info i was requesting as to alldata says they don't have info on BMW OR MINI.
i need/want to be sure timing is done the way it suppose to be.i don't want to take it apart after i put everything back.the exhaust manifold are a bitch to get to the nuts.had to buy a air compressor for the tight spots.so any help or guidance will be more than appreciated plus half of the hoses under the intake needed to be change. notice it it after taking manifold off.and the problem for the code po491 the vaccume hose was so brittle at the intake port.

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Depends on the engine. I don't know if it is possible with yours.

Your symptoms don't sound to me like a warped head but it is certainly possible. I agree with checking both the block and the head and if the head is warped picking up a used one somewhere.

You haven't had to add any coolant?

[upallnight]

I seen more people screw up when it comes rebuilding or re-installing a Vanos system.

[1iwilly]

u hit the nail on the head that's the headache i'm trying to avoid.

Originally Posted by upallnight

I seen more people screw up when it comes rebuilding or re-installing a Vanos system.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by 1iwilly

here is a little back ground i was a mechanic by trade for 18 years. i gave it up in 95 to drive trucks so, i don't have any problem doing the job the problem is that i had to order the special tools needed to do this job.second i can't find the info i was requesting as to alldata says they don't have info on BMW OR MINI.
i need/want to be sure timing is done the way it suppose to be.i don't want to take it apart after i put everything back.the exhaust manifold are a bitch to get to the nuts.had to buy a air compressor for the tight spots.so any help or guidance will be more than appreciated plus half of the hoses under the intake needed to be change. notice it it after taking manifold off.and the problem for the code po491 the vaccume hose was so brittle at the intake port.

Sorry if I hit a nerve. No way of knowing ones level of understanding or capability. The Bentley manual for 2000-2006 X5s covers the procedure quite well. I don't recall a DIY here but a search might be worthwhile.