Well, I bought a 95 850 NA with 115K miles for $400. The engine is running rough and blowing exhaust out of the coolant reservour.

So I have begun taking things apart to inspect the head gasket. I have reviewed a lot of posts on this and other sites and have a good idea what to do.

I think that taking everything apart is the easy (and fun) part. Putting it all together correctly is the challenge.

I feel that I am up to the challenge except for the step where the two halves of the head are put back together. I think that I will have no problem making a cam holding tool.

The clamping of the upper head to the lower head has me concerned though. I have seen some pictures of people using C-clamps and instructions in the Haynes manual to make tools with spark plugs. The 'store-bought' tools are way to expensive to justify.

How much force is required to clamp the halves together? Can clamps be safely used? Does anyone have clamping tools to lend/sell?

Thanks.