Radiator end tank leak

[X5goldie]

I notice some dried-up coolant crust on the end tank. No drips on the ground that I can see. Indy shop quoted me upwards of $1200

Can I leave it for now? How long can I get by? Would you suggest a radiator leak fix from Autozone?

Thanks.

[nahvkolaj]

Where is the dried coolant showing up? Could just be the cap.

The quoted price is highway robbery if it’s just the one part. Reservoir is under $100 and the replacement shouldn’t be more than a couple hours.

[80stech]

I would stay away from using any stop leak product. The best thing to do would be a pressure to make sure that you know where the leak is and if there are any more. The $1200 might include replacing a lot more than the rad because it's often not a bad idea to do a "refresh" of the cooling system so make sure you are comparing prices properly.

[andrewwynn]

UV dye to trace exact leak. You might have a simple leak from a hose dripping down the side.

[Factory6speed]

I've had some drops from the cap. Replace the cap there was less drops for a period of time and now there's more drops. I suspect the replacement tank is no good. I was at the harbor freight the other day and found the overpriced coolant pressure test kit way back in the clearance section for $45. So I will pressure test and see what happens.

If it loses pressure the boiling point goes down and that's it. I've heard those stop leak products K seal etc mess up the heater core.

The tank is pretty easy to replace it's just the stupid plastic clips you have to be careful.

[andrewwynn]

The parts for the tstst for the transmission cooler will self destruct in my experience but the coolant reservoir came with.


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[X5chemist]

Could be the pressure cap venting too. Mine had a leak at the smaller upper "reservoir tank" connection. The small hose connection was intact. However, the inner part that holds the o ring was broken. It broke due to vibration over time. It was a perfectly broke off plastic ring too. It took time to find it. I actually found it by replacing the upper hose.

[BimmerBreaker]

Pressure test it and go from there. All that stuff is easy DIY work no reason to pay an indy to do it especially if that Indy is trying to get you to pay their mortgage for the month.

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Could be the pressure cap venting too.

They are not designed to vent anywhere near normal operating temperature. These aren't like old American cars where you fill to the top and they will burp the excess. If it is venting from the cap then the cap or expansion tank is faulty, the system was overfilled, or the engine is massively overheating.

[getty150]

Any repairs for a BMW...starts at $1200! (Later models)

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[X5goldie]

Originally Posted by nahvkolaj

Where is the dried coolant showing up? Could just be the cap.

The quoted price is highway robbery if it’s just the one part. Reservoir is under $100 and the replacement shouldn’t be more than a couple hours.

This is where the leak is. No signs on the reservoir cap.
Is there a spray epoxy of some sort to get by?
Will this blow up and start gushing on the highway?