BMW Cylinder Head Resurfacing

[@ralekriver]

The surface looks absolutely gorgeous when you've finished handling them. Top notch work!

[@USFmarine]

I like how in this video you show us how you calibrate the machine and got everything leveled. That was a question I had while watching your other videos. Thanks!

[@ueoaoeu]

What a wealth of knowledge you have! I hope you are teaching some apprentices or others your craft!

[@Volvo745T]

Great presentation: Clear, concise and informative. Thanks John. Diamond tooling is an intriguing choice ... I didn't think it was used to alum. I've used it to machine resin-impregnated graphite, but that's because it is abrasive.

[@ROCKSOLID19]

This was one of my favourite jobs I did when working at Volvo, skimming off cylinder heads especially on the T5's and reassembling them.

[@Qweklain]

@DaihatsuPWNage The reason is that higher compression = more power. There are quite a few different variables that increase compression, but when you lower the cc's of a combustion chamber, you increase compression. As seen here, this is mainly a repair/cleaning, but a popular method of compression increase is to mill the cylinder head(s) to lower the CCs.

[@azrios]

Nice video: FYI: Checking for a warped cylinder head starts with the camshaft bore, NOT the flat portion first. If the cam bore is warped you just wasted your time surfacing the cylinderhead. Heat straighten first to align the cam-bore then surface the flat surface. ~ Rico - ASE Master Machinist

[@rasmAn2]

it would, but the tolerance on that is much larger than the warp. the cams run in oil film bearings, so they have lots of play (relativly speaking that is)

[@fiatnutz]

@russm8ty - These engines use a MLS (multi layer steel) gasket and require a 20 Ra. or better surface finish.

[@azxdesertrat]

Great craftsmanship, good video. Thanks

[@douro20]

I've seen this done on a vertical milling machine using a special fly cutter.

[@fiatnutz]

@rb26dett32 - This head usually costs around $75 to resurface.

[@mckinzi1]

love all the machines. folks don't understand the investment a shop like your's has in equipment from the machine tools to the various testers we had a numbered drill index at our shop and we thought we were high tech (G) lawnmower guy in texas who just bought a dozen new #78 bits for lawnboy pilot jets they don't give that stuff away

[@bvanderheijden1]

Hi John, excellent craftsmanship you're displaying. not only on the workbench, they way you present the knowledge is awesome as well! thumbs up! I have a question about the cryogenic treatment you gave some parts in another movie. When you use the hardening treatment, do you machine the parts before, or after the cryogenic hardening, cause im thinking of the shrinkage that will occur after treatment, and its harder to machine etc.. got any good advice on how to approach this! apreciate it.

[@fiatnutz]

@mckinzi1 - Yeah, the tools are expensive - the profilometer is right at $2000, and the resurfacer in in the $24,000 range. People wonder why we charge for something that they think should be so cheep. Let them drag it behind their car on a rope, that should be cheep enough - Ha..... Oh, I didn't mention the ability and experience to run the machine, did I?

[@josepeixoto3384]

LOL...... drag it behind the car....missed the joke for 6 years...it's a big world,anybody with the been there ,done that?

[@eddohan]

3:58 : that looks almost sexy after seeing the results after the first cut. Nice video.

[@tiredfingers99]

After you machine the surface do you need a thicker gasket to compensate for the amount machined off? If the head did warp, will the middle chambers have a slightly larger volume then the outer chambers since you machined more material off the end cylinders? I did see that you cut off more material at the ends of the block first.

[@tiredfingers99]

tiredfingers99 Nice job on the resurfacing.

[@skylinefever]

Sometimes a thicker head gasket is required. As for combustion chamber size, you would need to use this kind of testing process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Kko2d6itZ4qpY I think the CC from chamber to chamber change very little, but I could be wrong. If the chambers are different sizes, people do a little bit of reshaping of all the combustion chambers so they all have the same CC. Some people like to use a standard thickness head gasket with a highly milled cylinder head. It is a low cost way to build a higher compression engine. However, there are many factors that determine if this is possible or not.

[@consaka1]

I prefer to have aluminum heads bent back into shape before kissing the surface with the cutters. Especially overhead cam engines. If you don't and you don't rebore the cam bearings then you basically have a rocking horse for your cam and it is always under stress. Right up till it breaks from metal fatigue. been there done that.

[@ProjectBMW]

+consaka1 Same here!

[@TyphoonVstrom]

+consaka1 If you think 1 thou is an issue, you have no idea.

[@consaka1]

Sideslip I am not sure what that is supposed to mean. I'll just say this. When I work on an engine I like perfection. I don't mess around with "good enough for government" type work. I might fudge on some of my own stuff but never on a customer's rig.

[@greatstufffguygy7192]

+consaka1 I think it's perfectly ok to resurface but not too much

[@consaka1]

I might have to disagree but I have no idea what you mean by "too much" or if you are including the cam bore then being off. I can't go along with a warped head and not addressing the cam bore. A bent cam bore will fatigue the cam eventually. They can break. Just sloppy work to me to mill the bottom of a warped head and leave the cam all screwed up.

[@seapeddler]

One wonders if the cam journal bores have to be checked if the base is warped somewhat.

[@TinnieSingh]

great videos!

[@StevesProjects]

There is maybe an 8 thou difference in height between cylinders 1&6 and cylinders 3&4 after removing the warp. Is this enough to affect the compression ratio and cause a problem? Good clear video, thanks from the UK.

[@zxtenn]

John, you have some great info. on here, now why just didn't you take off .010 in the beginning as it was out at least .009? Do you get a better finish taking such a small amount such as 002/003? Interesting regrading that 'finish' checker, i worked at a machine shop like 30 years ago and i never heard of such a thing though i do understand why it would be a good idea to ensure a smooth finish, John, i see that you did it DRY, any reason for that??

[@Mixa8222]

Great video! John, tell me please, is there camshafts housings are in straight line or not because of cylinder head distortion (it is bended). sorry for english

[@playstationRLZ]

im sure it isnt much AT ALL, but since that changes the size of the dome in the head, would you see a minor compression increase?

[@Qweklain]

I am used to American V-8 cyl. heads and dang, that inline-6 cyl-head is HUGE!!! How much does it weigh? Also, by taking off .010, how much compression does that increase on a Beamer? I am guessing it is minor to null, but there should be SOME increase...

[@angelusblackwolf]

Is it not recommended to remove the valves, springs and associated parts before taking the head in for resurfacing? Just curious seeing as how I took the precaution to remove the aforementioned parts prior to taking my 4G63T head in for resurfacing a while back and wanting to know if it was really necessary to do such a thing.

[@fiatnutz]

@yeahwotevaman Resurface heads as needed. Are you working on a Ford diesel? I get those intakes in all the time to clean.

[@fiatnutz]

@answerseven - Yes, if its over .006"-.008"

[@Dieselolds]

Probably some BMW fans who dont like me... Yes i have seen BMW heads with cracks and i have always wondered what happend to the camshaft if the heads where warped but as you say, there is maybe a way to rebore the cam bearings to compensate to the warpings. Thanks.

[@fiatnutz]

@ueoaoeu - I have written several books and articles on the subject, plus I was in the classroom for 15 years. I currently write for Sand Sports Magazine and occasionally for Hot VW's. Plus, I do these Tube videos. I'm passing on my knowlege worldwide. Thanks for the kind words. JE...

[@adamlesh]

When you say "modern cylinder heads", what do you mean by that? About what year does it become modern or is make a variable? The reason I ask is because I'm looking at a Ford 4.6L that I plan on machining quite a bit.

[@neemguy81]

that was a pretty kool video. thanks

[@63mrl]

John, so once the head is milled, would the affect the cam blocks? I've heard that same as Mercedes, the BMW head can me straightened by bolting them to steel plates and place into oven to the heat and straighten them.

[@seapeddler]

How much can be removed before the head-saver shim comes into play?

[@omarkhamis2008]

Answer some of the questions about speed. the car will not go faster, the uneven surface may lead water and oil to leak into each others. you will notice this only in the radiators when oil can be easily recognized. Overheating of the engine may lead to deformation of the head surface

[@cruiseoveride]

Would you require a new size of head bolts now?

[@luketanner7638]

Beautiful!

[@Dieselolds]

If the head is warped, woudnt that bend the camshafts inside the head to?

[@eamh2002]

Fine tuning M-Power. Cool :p

[@plkracer]

You don't use the PCD cutters on a steel head do you?

[@GrassBeetle]

wow. i wished i got my cyl head resurfaced here. that surface almost looks like glass on the video.

[@paulkazjack]

good video.

[@SVAFnemesis]

I didn't know they do it with the valves on

[@idus]

Do you resurface the head with all the components inside? Valves, springs, ect...?

[@masscomnet]

Do you perform a pre and post calibration check on your Ra meter?

[@Genocode]

We do also have our John Edwards here in South West Sweden, impressive knowledge and skills at the machines. I think the price is similar to yours. Is this an M50 head? I do some machining myself, but it is just some work in the lathe and I also have a very nice machine for brake discs. American machine ofcourse. =) I think it is an Ammco. However, I watch your tubes with great enthusiasm. Thanks for all educating shortfilms.

[@Pinups2Showboats]

Whats the charge for this type of resurfacing ?

[@fiatnutz]

That's a tough question to answer, take it apart and see what going on inside. Hey....

[@eatsleeprace93]

hey just had a quick question i have a 330i bmw and it runs but overheats quick is the head still good enough for repair or should i get new engine ?

[@kasey89]

What does it cost for a job like this on same cylinder head?

[@bash5995]

How much would this raise the compression?

[@Fate8888]

the car gets slightly faster after resurfacing ... right ?!

[@testbooster]

What is the average price for head resurfacing?

[@rb26dett32]

anyone know what it usually costs a machine shop to do that? I need to do it to one of my heads. Mine is a 4 banger though so I'm hoping it'd be a little cheaper lol.

[@joaorp]

you guys rock!!

[@ToyKingWonder]

@HelloPeridol Who wouldn't like these videos? Two camps. Jealous a-holes, and know-it-alls that don't want to admit that someone knows more than they do. I have 15 collector cars and do almost all my own work with the exception of machining, alignment and paint. I learn something new all the time, and not afraid to admit it. There have always been alot of jerks in this business and hobby.

[@fiatnutz]

@bvanderheijden1 - Cryo first, then machine.

[@Fate8888]

yes. .. witch will make the car slightly faster ... just a lil tiny bit faster

[@fiatnutz]

@jeffrey19621 Jeff, I have a video in my collection here on KZbin where I straighten a Boss 429 cylinder head, check it out.

[@sweeney69728]

my oil cap burst off my 316 bmw do anyone know whats up is the head gone.....

[@Desertduleler_88]

Check your oil recirculation valve.

[@NikolasHonda7]

wow it was like pure nikel!!!!!

[@urc24b]

my bad 2.5i, confused for a few seconds...

[@bddc201]

Toe clamping it that way is begging for it to warp.

[@UptownSport]

#1. Now he's taken .010 off #1 and #6. Next to nothing off 3 &4. Now you go to bolt the cam carriers back on the head. When it's bolted down the gasket surface is straight, but the surface the carriers bolt to aren't. The bores are way off. #2. Smoother is always better? Really? Have fun.

[@urc24b]

this is a 2.5tds cyl head

[@fiatnutz]

If you have to remove more than .005" on a virgin head, you may want to check.

[@jennen2008]

BMW oh yeaaaaaaaah

[@theycallmeGIORGIO]

GET SOME SLEEP!!!! you look tired 5:31

[@rps13sr]

no music please dont listen to blakecav. point is to learn and listen to him in the video, not to listen to music

[@ImNotADeeJay]

machinery porn