Coolat Leak
 

Hey guys, 2002 4.6is, I have a coolant leak coming from directly behind the engine between the firewall, so I cant get a visual on it, you can hear hissing and see steam. It appears that one of the coolant hoses that run down the left side of the car also runs behind the engine, any thoughts?

Thanks!

I found this thread, this appears to be my problem, or the valley pan itself, just wish I could get a look back there..lol!!

There is a coolant manifold between the heads that has a coolant hose attached to it. Could be the hose or one of the gaskets where the manifold connects to the head.


Only way to get in there is to take the acoustic cover off and the unit that hold the cabin air filter. Good luck.

Found it, it was one the hoses going to the rear manifold, the bottom hose coming off the heater valve. Your right, it was a lot easier to get to it by removing the cabin air box assembly, I think I saw where you mentioned it your coolant thread, thanks! I guess I may as well, replace the entire coolant system hoses.

Do any of the BMW parts suppliers (ie. Bavauto, Pelican) sell a complete coolant hose replacement kit?

I haven't found such a thing when I was replacing mine.

I dont know the milage on your X5, but on my 4.6 I lost one of the main hoses at 85000 miles. Changed that then shortly after one of the heater hoses you mentioned went as well. I had to buy direct from BMW in the UK, but changed every hose on the engine. The rear ones are a pig to get to, ended up lying across the top of the engine to get to them!

Yeah,I passed through a Valley Pan gasket replacement.I did it myself and to be honest,it was the moment I told myself that it's the last V engine I ever buy.Although it's possible to do,it's not easy.I spent at least 30 min with each rear manifold gasket,trying to align it and to not drop the bolts..not an easy task,a mirror,different depth sockets and a lot of swearing etc.
You change the hoses,and then your Water Pump gasket starts leaking,replace that and you'll get some x-ring leak in the heat exchanger,secondary thermostat etc.
Check out the Realoem diagram for cooling system and especially radiator one,there you'll find the needed x-rings part #
And do it at once,DO IT all at once