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-   -   Radiator end tank leak (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/115995-radiator-end-tank-leak.html)

X5goldie 10-31-2024 09:16 PM

Radiator end tank leak
 
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 10-31-2024 09:22 PM

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 10-31-2024 09:24 PM

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 10-31-2024 10:04 PM

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

Factory6speed 10-31-2024 10:27 PM

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 10-31-2024 10:37 PM

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 11-01-2024 08:02 AM

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 11-01-2024 09:35 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist (Post 1241707)
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 11-01-2024 10:43 AM

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

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X5goldie 11-01-2024 02:37 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by nahvkolaj (Post 1241699)
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?


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