Coolant low every 6 weeks, and white crud behind radiator... HELP!

lemans4.8 · #1 10-08-2013, 11:42 PM

while topping up coolant tonight (regular 6 week occurrence)., I discovered a ton of white crud around the plugs on the passenger side of the radiator. Is this where I'm loosing coolant? If so, how easy is it to fix/replace?

2005 4.8is with 83,000 miles.

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X5SND · #2 10-09-2013, 12:30 AM

That would definitely be an indication of a hose that needs to be changed. If you haven't already done so, I'd highly recommend a cooling system overhaul seeing as you'll drain the majority changing out the hoses anyway.

The hoses themselves aren't terribly difficult to change. They "unlock" via a c-clip and simply pull off. Be aware that they can be a bit stubborn (especially if the hose has been on for a while)....but it's not a hugely complex procedure.

AquilaBMW · #3 10-09-2013, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5SND

That would definitely be an indication of a hose that needs to be changed. If you haven't already done so, I'd highly recommend a cooling system overhaul seeing as you'll drain the majority changing out the hoses anyway.

The hoses themselves aren't terribly difficult to change. They "unlock" via a c-clip and simply pull off. Be aware that they can be a bit stubborn (especially if the hose has been on for a while)....but it's not a hugely complex procedure.

Yup! You definitely have a leak... I concur with the above.. ^^^^

Ricky Bobby · #4 10-09-2013, 09:24 AM

if you haven't done the hoses, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, etc, I'd definitely do it all at the same time as well with a fresh coolant flush, looks like you are due!

lemans4.8 · #5 10-09-2013, 11:55 AM

I replaced the expansion tank last June and majority of coolant was changed then. Is there a DIY to replace water pump, thermostat, and the rest of the hoses?

bcredliner · #6 10-09-2013, 01:55 PM

Overhauling the cooling system when a hose is leaking is not imperative.

There are many Xs out there that go well over 88,000mi. without a problem with the water pump or thermostat. And, coolant replacement is much less expensive and labor intensive than a water pump or thermostat so it is not a huge deal to do it again. I don't think that losing coolant trips a trigger for replacement of 'major' cooling system elements.

Hoses are a different animal. When you start having leaking hoses it is often an indicator that others will soon follow. I would check all cooling hoses to see if they were still soft and pliable and for bulging at strapped connections first. It would also depend on where this hose is leaking. If it was the connection and the other hoses checked out, I might replace just that hose.

You don't have to replace the water pump until it starts leaking or making funny noises. You don't have to replace the thermostat unless there are related codes or the engine is not holding at normal operating temperature. There are many Xs that go well over 88,000mi. without a problem with the water pump or thermostat.. One of the reasons there are discussions that a BMW costs a lot to keep running is the greater likelihood an owner will go above and beyond the call of necessity to fix a problem. Nothing wrong with that and impossible to blow holes in. That's what I often do especially if it directly related to engine performance or it is a risk to durability. I just think you should know, if you do not, not overhauling the cooling system is also a reasonable route to take.

lemans4.8 · #7 10-09-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Overhauling the cooling system when a hose is leaking is not imperative.

There are many Xs out there that go well over 88,000mi. without a problem with the water pump or thermostat. And, coolant replacement is much less expensive and labor intensive than a water pump or thermostat so it is not a huge deal to do it again. I don't think that losing coolant trips a trigger for replacement of 'major' cooling system elements.

Hoses are a different animal. When you start having leaking hoses it is often an indicator that others will soon follow. I would check all cooling hoses to see if they were still soft and pliable and for bulging at strapped connections first. It would also depend on where this hose is leaking. If it was the connection and the other hoses checked out, I might replace just that hose.

You don't have to replace the water pump until it starts leaking or making funny noises. You don't have to replace the thermostat unless there are related codes or the engine is not holding at normal operating temperature. There are many Xs that go well over 88,000mi. without a problem with the water pump or thermostat.. One of the reasons there are discussions that a BMW costs a lot to keep running is the greater likelihood an owner will go above and beyond the call of necessity to fix a problem. Nothing wrong with that and impossible to blow holes in. That's what I often do especially if it directly related to engine performance or it is a risk to durability. I just think you should know, if you do not, not overhauling the cooling system is also a reasonable route to take.

Thanks for letting me know. It seems to be leaking from the end. I usually check hoses for "toughness", but this area was hidden by air intake snorkel.

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