Need engine builders help, S54 build going terrible wrong.

[SteelGreyM]

Perhaps you got some glazing...

Ive tried to read as many sources as i can find to get the consistent recommendations at several steps of this build. Hope you get it sorted.

https://www.jepistons.com/blog/how-to-break-in-an-engine

How is it recommended that you break in a rebuilt s54?

I couldn’t find a 10w-60 break in oil.

The best thing I found was a 15w-50 break in oil.

Should I use that or 10w-60 to break it in? Should I drive it hard? Easy? Or BMW break in procedure?

[Slideways]

How is it recommended that you break in a rebuilt s54?

I couldn’t find a 10w-60 break in oil.

The best thing I found was a 15w-50 break in oil.

Should I use that or 10w-60 to break it in? Should I drive it hard? Easy? Or BMW break in procedure?

According to the first post in this thread, there is no special break in oil from factory - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1658937

BMW break in procedure, then change oil at 1200 miles. If it worked to get a factory built motor to 150k+ miles and burning almost no oil, it should be good enough for a rebuild.

[BL92]

Did you end up finding what the problem was ?

[JakeM346]

Who makes the OE? Corteco or Elring? I was staring at pictures yesterday but couldn’t figure it out. I want to say elring?

Nope they are corteco

[JakeM346]

Simply way to solve the problem don’t use je pistons. Also did you measure your valve guides???

[enjoy_m3]

JE has a good reputation, you can't assume it's the piston without proper inspection and clearance. Confirm what valve seals you are using. I was able to confirm that the elring valve seal has a larger diameter hole than OEM BMW. I bought both and can visually see it. Had the same problem as you on my original engine but I haven't gotten around to diagnosing the problem. Bought another engine and refreshed the head, that's when I bought both elring and BMW valve seal to compare. New engine didn't burn oil after.

[JakeM346]

JE has a good reputation, you can't assume it's the piston without proper inspection and clearance. Confirm what valve seals you are using. I was able to confirm that the elring valve seal has a larger diameter hole than OEM BMW. I bought both and can visually see it. Had the same problem as you on my original engine but I haven't gotten around to diagnosing the problem. Bought another engine and refreshed the head, that's when I bought both elring and BMW valve seal to compare. New engine didn't burn oil after.

I tell you the ovality of those pistons is just...... weird. Don't like em .....
Original Seals are ...Corteco

[bigjae46]

I think it was a troll trying to start some VAC controversy lol