Not your typical coolant leak

Aidzer0 · #1 02-06-2022, 12:13 PM

Hello fellow outposters, we will be talking about a 2006 X5 N62 4.4l AWD Auto today.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ing-sound.html
Recently I repaired a catastrophic front diff failure (linked above), which was mostly successful. Prior to the diff failing, I was doing the regular BMW preventative maintenance, the cooling system. I started with the leaking components, which was the exp tank, thermostat and VDO temp sensors (PO had aftermarket which was causing the gauge to report incorrectly), that went successfully. I then followed up with the small black transfer pipe (Between block and waterpump) and waterpump. Where I left the cooling system for the time being, a couple of days later I noticed a puddle of coolant (small drips)

After the diff failure, I noticed that the water pump was leaking (two weeks after replacing) the leak is coming from between the WP housing and the block, which doesn't really make sense to me since its all new and OEM... I torqued the bolts correctly too (10.5nm). Is there a special procedure that I needed to install it in or do I need to get a new water pump gasket? (Its from FCP so I have lifetime warranty on it)

Notes: It's not the valley pan hose leak, that was fixed with the bimmerfix pipe and sealant.

Thanks all!

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X5chemist · #2 02-06-2022, 12:59 PM

Grab some Form-A-Gasket sealant. I like to use it on both sides of any gasket. Never had a leak on one. I like to use it especially on low torque bolt applications. Heating and cooling will warp the pump. I use it on o-rings too.

Aidzer0 · #3 02-06-2022, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Grab some Form-A-Gasket sealant. I like to use on on both sides of any gasket. Never had a leak on one. I like to use it especially on low torque bolt applications. Heating and cooling will warp the pump. I use it on o-rings too.

Really?!? Thought that was not good? I come from the e46 platform and I’ve never had to use gasket maker :/

I must admit, this n62 is a fickle b&@$? when it comes to any repair… so you reckon take the pump off and just put gasket maker on it?

I mean if it works haha then I’ll do it.

X5chemist · #4 02-06-2022, 01:49 PM

A flat gasket is easy. The sticky gasket sealer should be applied thinly. For o-rings, I use a glove to coat it. A small q-tip or brush is used on o-ring groves. Never apply too much! The tacky stuff can clog a small orifice. For clean up, use brake cleaner to wipe it up.

This one is my favorite: https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/

Great on valve cover gaskets!

Aidzer0 · #5 02-06-2022, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

A flat gasket is easy. The sticky gasket sealer should be applied thinly. For o-rings, I use a glove to coat it. A small q-tip or brush is used on o-ring groves. Never apply too much! The tacky stuff can clog a small orifice. For clean up, use brake cleaner to wipe it up.

This one if my favorite: https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/

Great on valve cover gaskets!

Thanks!

Aidzer0 · #6 02-22-2022, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

A flat gasket is easy. The sticky gasket sealer should be applied thinly. For o-rings, I use a glove to coat it. A small q-tip or brush is used on o-ring groves. Never apply too much! The tacky stuff can clog a small orifice. For clean up, use brake cleaner to wipe it up.

This one is my favorite: https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/

Great on valve cover gaskets!

So I followed this, refilled coolant last night, so far, no leaks that I could see, but only time will tell, thanks for the advice, I’ll be updating this thread after the car goes threw a couple of heat cycles. Cheers!

X5chemist · #7 02-22-2022, 10:50 AM

Nice. I'll be doing a thermostat swap probably next week. It will be too cold on my days off. I'll probably pull the water pump. I'm curious if it's a plastic or metal impeller. The previous owner had it changed. My guess, a shop installed the cheapest water pump they could find

Aidzer0 · #8 02-22-2022, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Nice. I'll be doing a thermostat swap probably next week. It will be too cold on my days off. I'll probably pull the water pump. I'm curious if it's a plastic or metal impeller. The previous owner had it changed. My guess, a shop installed the cheapest water pump they could find

Is yours the m54 motor? I have an e46 and honestly wish I got the m54 x5

just for space and ease of repair/maintenance.

X5chemist · #9 02-22-2022, 01:04 PM

Ha, I will probably never own a car. Unless it's a muscle classic car. I chose an M54 over V8's. Plenty of V8s for sale around here. I wanted a commuter with cargo space. I've had two GMC Jimmy's, and a Nitro. All three had a lower tailgate. The tailgate is a plus. The Nitro had a huge advantage. The front passenger seat folded down flat. I could carry 8' planks of 2x4s".

Aidzer0 · #10 02-22-2022, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Ha, I will probably never own a car. Unless it's a muscle classic car. I chose an M54 over V8's. Plenty of V8s for sale around here. I wanted a commuter with cargo space. I've had two GMC Jimmy's, and a Nitro. All three had a lower tailgate. The tailgate is a plus.

Since it’s m54, personally I choose the oem for the water pump, never had an issue, I just replace it on normal maintenance schedules.

I’ve had issues with the cheap and expensive ones that have the metal impeller, the bearings wear out prematurely especially if you have a fan clutch. Not sure on the e53 if there is a fan clutch with the auto trans.

My wife likes the big cars, me, I like small sedans. I’m actually looking into getting a project car since my daily is basically done and nothing but maintenance left. I will admit that lower tailgate is just amazing. Also I cannot believe a 2006 car has soft close trunk…

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