N62 Rear coolant leak question

[rocksteadyX5]

So I have been reading up on the dreaded rear coolant link on the N62 engine. I have the '04/4.4i with a leak back there and I am contemplating replacing the valley pan and the pipe. But if the understanding is that the only way to fix a leak on the passage cover is to drop the engine and the tranny. UGH!!!

What I want to understand is how does the coolant get into the "Rear Coolant Passage Cover"?
Is it from the rear seal of the valley pan pipe? or does the valley pan pipe expel coolant into that passage cover and the seal of the passage cover eventually fail?

[X5only]

Originally Posted by rocksteadyX5

So I have been reading up on the dreaded rear coolant link on the N62 engine. I have the '04/4.4i with a leak back there and I am contemplating replacing the valley pan and the pipe. But if the understanding is that the only way to fix a leak on the passage cover is to drop the engine and the tranny. UGH!!!

What I want to understand is how does the coolant get into the "Rear Coolant Passage Cover"?
Is it from the rear seal of the valley pan pipe? or does the valley pan pipe expel coolant into that passage cover and the seal of the passage cover eventually fail?

My '05 4.4 used to leak coolant in the rear after being parked for several days, and I had a sinking feeling in the pit of me wallet. It ended up being the coolant pipe leaking. I tackled the project myself replacing the water pump, coolant pipe (with the collapsible version, not OEM) and valley pan gasket. Look carefully in the valley pan area for signs of dried coolant. You may be in luck The project is not hard.

[rocksteadyX5]

Originally Posted by X5only

My '05 4.4 used to leak coolant in the rear after being parked for several days, and I had a sinking feeling in the pit of me wallet. It ended up being the coolant pipe leaking. I tackled the project myself replacing the water pump, coolant pipe (with the collapsible version, not OEM) and valley pan gasket. Look carefully in the valley pan area for signs of dried coolant. You may be in luck The project is not hard.

The coolant pipe leaking from the rear seal on the pipe?

[X5only]

Originally Posted by rocksteadyX5

The coolant pipe leaking from the rear seal on the pipe?

The main leak was from the coolant pipe front seal (it was all torn up). But the valleypan gasket was also leaking. This is the leak that was dripping from the rear of the engine. To replace the coolant pipe easily, use the collapsible type.

[rocksteadyX5]

Originally Posted by X5only

My '05 4.4 used to leak coolant in the rear after being parked for several days, and I had a sinking feeling in the pit of me wallet. It ended up being the coolant pipe leaking. I tackled the project myself replacing the water pump, coolant pipe (with the collapsible version, not OEM) and valley pan gasket. Look carefully in the valley pan area for signs of dried coolant. You may be in luck The project is not hard.

Finally got a chance to put my phone camera back there....looks like it is the Valley Pan.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by rocksteadyX5

Finally got a chance to put my phone camera back there....looks like it is the Valley Pan.

Bingo

[rocksteadyX5]

Originally Posted by X5only

Bingo

Thanks. About to start the pull down. Most likely will change out the valley pan. Looks like it has some oxidation going on back there. I see UroParts have an whole kit to $285 on Ebay. which pipe did you use? The one from AG (All German) Their kits is allot more. :-)

[X5only]

Originally Posted by rocksteadyX5

Thanks. About to start the pull down. Most likely will change out the valley pan. Looks like it has some oxidation going on back there. I see UroParts have an whole kit to $285 on Ebay. which pipe did you use? The one from AG (All German) Their kits is allot more. :-)

Yes, that's the one I used. You can get it for $240 from https://www.eeuroparts.com/

https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/366...-11141439975R/

Here's my thread on the repair:
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...me-wallet.html

You may consider doing your valve cover gaskets and timing covers. Removing the intake manifold to access valley pan may disturb the integrity of valve cover gaskets resulting in a vacuum leak ... and then ... white smoke after extended idle ... and then you will think it's the valve stem seals! Please don't ask how I know