E36 Blown Radiator

[Dewald_Bark]

Hi guys. On my E36 1996 328i the engine was overhauled in 2018 due to a faulty thermostat resulting in a cracked head. A "new" head was sourced, new water pump and thermostat removed. All coolant lines/hoses were checked and or replaced. The only item that was left untouched was the original BMW fitted radiator. Been driving her like that ever since with no issues. 2 months ago the plastic side tank split apart from the unit(I'm assuming due to old age). I got a replacement unit from V&M RADIATORS. After fitment, and normal day to day driveing, I went to Groblersdal from Jhb and back over the Easter weekend and 5 min away from home the Radiator itself popped on the top outlet hose. The manufacturer is telling me that I'm suffering from excessive engine pressure. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nikhil]

Any pics of the damage?

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Any pics of the damage?

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Pin by Dewald Barkhuizen on e36 | Neon signs, Neon, Signs

May 14, 2021 - This Pin was discovered by Dewald Barkhuizen. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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[Dewald_Bark]

Pin by Dewald Barkhuizen on e36 | Neon signs, Neon, Signs

May 14, 2021 - This Pin was discovered by Dewald Barkhuizen. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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[Dewald_Bark]

Finally managed to upload

 

[Peter@AEW]

If the blow out is due to high internal pressure it will also be evident on the radiator fins which will have assumed a convex shape.
If the radiator fins are perfectly horizontal then it is a faulty radiator.

 

[Dewald_Bark]

If the blow out is due to high internal pressure it will also be evident on the radiator fins which will have assumed a convex shape.
If the radiator fins are perfectly horizontal then it is a faulty radiator.

I couldn't see a bow in the fins. The guys at V&M said the bow is definitely evident. What would cause a sudden pressure buildup like this?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Not bleeding the system correctly and having an air pocket.

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Not bleeding the system correctly and having an air pocket

Not bleeding the system correctly and having an air pocket.

Was bled properly through the bleeding screw.

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Was bled properly through the bleeding screw

Was bled properly through the bleeding screw.

I followed the same procedure as all the radiators i have fitted before. Fill with coolant/water, with the bleeder released untill no more bubbles are visible. Start up the vehicle and let it reach operating temp. Release the bleeding screw again to check if any air got trapped. I'm not trying to gun V&M for a free handout. I'm trying to understand if it was a fault on my side or just a bad radiator.

 

[Peter@AEW]

The procedure is as follows
Switch ignition on
Switch heater on to maximum without the fan on
Open bleeder screw
Fill radiator slowly and continue doing so untill the water escapes from the bleeder screw in a steady solid stream without bubbles.
Close bleeder screw
Close radiator cap
Switch off heater.

 

[Dewald_Bark]

The procedure is as follows
Switch ignition on
Switch heater on to maximum without the fan on
Open bleeder screw
Fill radiator slowly and continue doing so untill the water escapes from the bleeder screw in a steady solid stream without bubbles.
Close bleeder screw
Close radiator cap
Switch off heater.

Ok. Thanks. Let's assume I had a air pocket. What's the time frame for something like this to happen? Then on the other side, let's say the bleeding released all the trapped air. What else could cause a blowout like this?

 

[Wayne320i]

Ok. Thanks. Let's assume I had a air pocket. What's the time frame for something like this to happen? Then on the other side, let's say the bleeding released all the trapped air. What else could cause a blowout like this?

My 2c would be on the head gasket

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Please co

My 2c would be on the head gasket

Please correct me if I'm wrong. If it's the head gasket, depending on how it's blown...there should/must be overheating, a oil and water mixture(milky oil) or with the filler cap off with applying throttle water should be splurging out. None of these symptoms are present.

 

[Dewald_Bark]

Please co

My 2c would be on the head gasket

Please correct me if I'm wrong. If it's the head gasket, depending on how it's blown...there should/must be overheating, a oil and water mixture(milky oil) or with the filler cap off with applying throttle water should be splurging out. None of these symptoms are present.

 

[individj]

Please co

Please correct me if I'm wrong. If it's the head gasket, depending on how it's blown...there should/must be overheating, a oil and water mixture(milky oil) or with the filler cap off with applying throttle water should be splurging out. None of these symptoms are present.

im not saying it is this but i will say it could be slight and you have a pressured system and no mixing etc.

 

[individj]

you can test that though.