detailed engine tune-up extravaganza!

[ThunderChicken]

so, scrapping the idea of buying the 525i, I've decided to redouble my efforts in repair and restoration of the eta. besides the catastrophic body work, I've had small clicking noises coming from the engine for the last couple months. These did get noticeably louder after the overheating debacle (ran past red during frantic return to driveway).

I am also falling a little short on power, and it feels a little like a small vacuum leak, though all the hoses and clamps are solid.

I assume this is something to do with the cylinders themselves i.e. head gasket, head valves, guides, flux capacitor etc.

any info short of a full rebuild would be much appreciated!

 

[Doughnut]

A prompt drain and refilling of your headlight fluid should solve your problem!

lol, But really, I'm glad you decided to keep strong with your 3 series.
What do you mean by "clicking noises" in the engine?
Is it coming from the top end of your motor or is it causing the motor/whole car to shake roughly at idle?
Check/ replace all hoses and clamps, if you were planing on spending lots of money on a newer car why not go ahead and change ALL of your servicable parts eg : engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, gearbox fluid (auto filter strainer), diff fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, all hoses (vac, heater, breathers), front - rear subframe bushes, strut top mounts, steer bushes!!! all that would come to about $1000 - near new car (instead of $3500 for a new slate of problems)

 

[Kirby]

E30s require valve adjustment. All of the symptoms you describe (clicking noise changes with temperature, low power, etc.) can be associated with poor valve adjustment.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E30-Valve_Adjust/E30-Valve_Adjust.htm

 

[E30m42cab]

E30s require valve adjustment. All of the symptoms you describe (clicking noise changes with temperature, low power, etc.) can be associated with poor valve adjustment.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E30-Valve_Adjust/E30-Valve_Adjust.htm

Word.

 

[E30m42cab]

A prompt drain and refilling of your headlight fluid should solve your problem!
Check/ replace all hoses and clamps, if you were planing on spending lots of money on a newer car why not go ahead and change ALL of your servicable parts eg : engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, gearbox fluid (auto filter strainer), diff fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, all hoses (vac, heater, breathers), front - rear subframe bushes, strut top mounts, steer bushes!!! all that would come to about $1000 - near new car (instead of $3500 for a new slate of problems)

Aaaaah the joys of the E30. You can do $1000 worth of work and it will all be completely invisible to the naked eye. If you skip working on them for a few days, something will go wrong, and then you'll have to work on it for a few days and you'll fall behind on all the stuff you should have been working on before it broke.
Also, don't forget to change the air in your tires.
Sweet ass cars though!!

 

[ThunderChicken]

the noises are coming from just the upper motor. it's kinda like that old volkswagen beetle bug sound, just not as heinously loud.