Cracked Radiator: How and how $???

c4racer · #1 10-01-2010, 01:39 PM

I agree with the comments on the cooling system, but do you really think the valley pan gasket needs to be replaced if it has not failed? It isn't really a redundant repair from a work standpoint other than the need to drain the coolant.

My expansion tank and water pump were replaced by BMW under CPO but that was 20K miles ago. I need to do the rest over the winter when I get some time. I was planning to replace the hoses, thermostat and radiator. No sign that the valley pan gasket is failing. Not sure if there is any difference in that in a 4.6 Alpina built motor in terms of how it was assembled.

m5james · #2 10-01-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4racer

I agree with the comments on the cooling system, but do you really think the valley pan gasket needs to be replaced if it has not failed? It isn't really a redundant repair from a work standpoint other than the need to drain the coolant.

My expansion tank and water pump were replaced by BMW under CPO but that was 20K miles ago. I need to do the rest over the winter when I get some time. I was planning to replace the hoses, thermostat and radiator. No sign that the valley pan gasket is failing. Not sure if there is any difference in that in a 4.6 Alpina built motor in terms of how it was assembled.

The dead giveaway of the valley pan gasket is if poeple are having a constant loss of coolant but can never find the water trail or any other visual clues. It's just like I mentioned though, newer parts will just show the weaknesses of old ones eventually.