Blown out water pump..

[Bmwtvboy]

Cruising along 95 north out of Daytona and all of the sudden smoke. Granted this is an X E53 auto with 245K so I wasn't to surprised. However, when I pulled off I inspected the situation to see both belts wound around my water pump stem. The clutch fan connected and hanging loosely. The motor still running. Turned off the motor. Temp gauge still read middle. Oh no, started up again, drove a few hundred feet to get further off highway, temp gauge went up to first rise and the light came on. Turned off motor and coasted. Noticed the climate control unit was out, so I couldn't circumvent the coolant off into the heater core to aid cool down. Question: How do I know if I did any damage to the head/gasket or motor? I already ordered all the parts for a complete build out: thermo,w.pump,clutch fan, belts and new w.pump pulley. If it didn't overheat to top line, should things be ok? I kinda want to keep this beast going as it's been so awesome. Thanks for your assistance. PS. Anyone have suggestion on how to dismantle the broken pump from the clutch fan? Looks complicated.

[EODguy]

Should be ok as it sounds like your smoke came from the belt becoming a tourniquet and you didn't mention that your coolant blew out. I'd say do a leak down test on your cylinders as the only other thing besides what you're planning.

+ expansion tank (if it wasn't listed)

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[Purplefade]

I would agree with EODguy and add that while you’re in there with the water pump you may also want to do a coolant pipe “stint” if the coolant transfer pipe hasn’t ever been done.

With regard to the clutch fan I would remove all of the radiator guards and try to take it out with the water pump if possible, may be easier to get it dismantled once you have good line of sight on it... vs having it flopping around while you’re trying to get something to hold it in place in that narrow of space...


2005 X5 4.4i (04/05 build date)
Titanium Silver w/Black Interior

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Purplefade

I would agree with EODguy and add that while you’re in there with the water pump you may also want to do a coolant pipe “stint” if the coolant transfer pipe hasn’t ever been done.

He has an M54. No transfer pipe to worry about.

Your plan sounds good bmwtvboy and how I would proceed as well. Complete cooling system. A compression test shouldn't be necessary, but it would certainly give the "warm and fuzzies" concerning engine health.

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

He has an M54. No transfer pipe to worry about.

Doh! Totally missed the 2001 3.0 part of that..


2005 X5 4.4i (04/05 build date)
Titanium Silver w/Black Interior

[Bmwtvboy]

You guys are great. Wish I knew how to post pics. SO, looks like the pump may have been a victim of belts tearing up. First, about three weeks ago I was hearing this odd rubber rubbing noise when first starting up and pulling away. Oddly, no lights, no codes, no other issues as the X drove away fine and noise disappeared within seconds. But upon further inspection I notice some odd rubbing spots on the A/C tension pulley, upper tension pulley n alternator pulley both don't roll freely. The belt was done about 50K and I was planning to do it. Strangely my clutch fan which is really old is still stiff when turning. BUT my w.pump pulley is shredded on the very back edge of the pulley, grooves are fine, but I'll change it anyway. Having a bit of a tussle getting that lower hose off the thermo end. Over flow was done about 55K miles ago. Leak down? Not sure I understand the process, although I have immediate access to coils n plugs. Haven't worn a silly, plastic cover in years. BTW, it cooled down rather quickly, within the hour waiting for tow truck. Not sure I figured out why the climate control buggered out. I think it blew a fuse. Checking as I go. Waiting for parts so I'll fix the earthquake in the driveway from tow truck, weed wacker carb rebuild, garbage disposal replacement and maybe get to yard week by birthday; this year is the big 60 . Shiet happens. Thanks again you guys are the best. I can do this.. OH, helpful hint. Last time I was in changing the alternator I used anti seize on the clutch fan, so after cutting loose all the tangle hose mess, it popped free with one try. Oh yeah. Pretty good for an amature.

[Bmwtvboy]

Sorry, forgot. What's the consensus on plastic w.pump pulley vs. Aluminum ?Does it really matter, the plastic one lasted over 150K miles. Just curious.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Bmwtvboy

Sorry, forgot. What's the consensus on plastic w.pump pulley vs. Aluminum ?Does it really matter, the plastic one lasted over 150K miles. Just curious.

Either one is good as long as from a reputable brand. As you say, the OE is plastic and it lasted 150k.

Edit: Since a belt issue started this... I would also replace your idler pulley and tensioners for the serpentine belt and the AC belt.

[cn90]

Search forum for "partial cooling overhaul".

I wrote that DIY a while ago.
Recommendations are PNs (such as HEPU water pump etc.) is included in tge DIY.

[stiubhartach]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Either one is good as long as from a reputable brand. As you say, the OE is plastic and it lasted 150k.

Edit: Since a belt issue started this... I would also replace your idler pulley and tensioners for the serpentine belt and the AC belt.

I agree with both points. The plastic is lighter and easier on the bearings. The idler pulley and tensioner can cause drive belt problems, so should be replaced.

For checking the head gasket, you can do a coolant system pressure test which is an inexpensive tool that pumps air into the system and has a gauge which tells you the rate that the pressure drops. The bleed down rate will verify the condition of the head gasket.


Any system that has a cap that fits will work. This should do it:

https://www.bavauto.com/bmw-pressure-tester-b8800084