E46 Head Blown?

[e46Allen]

Hi there,

I have a very similar problem to

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=35449

I have a 2001 E46 330i F/L auto. :nonono:
Based in Gauteng

Also had a water loss issue and found it to be a hairline crack in the Radiator casing when under pressure. Never Overheated that I know of.

Had it replaced and all was perfect for the next month or two... Then on my way home one day after work, as I pulled into my driveway, I noticed the heat gauge start climbing. Pulled into garage, and turned off the engine. Noticed a water trail behind me as I pulled in. It leaks somewhere from the front. But I have Steam in the Exhaust now and the water system seems to be whitish and bubbles fersiously.

So, can it be a crack on the Exhaust manifold side leaking Gas into the Water System and therefore Steaming out the exhaust?

What do the honourable members of the forum suggest?
Take it in to a Reputable Place for a check?
If so Where? any Suggestions? I dont have big bucks in that manner that some I have spoken to suggest the repair will cost... 25 to 30k??

I have phoned around and can pick up a recon head for 3500 and a new one for about 8500. But maybe this is not the entire issue...

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Allen

 

[Coisman]

Maybe you had a airpocket in the cooling system, causing it to boil.
Maybe your expansion tank, i.e the water bottel is also leaking.
Maybe one of the water hoses wasn't refit properly.

I would suggest get it properly filled and radiator bleeded to make sure all air is out, then have it preasure tested at Silverton Radiators, or any place that can test the system for you.

Good luck. :thumb:

 

[moranor@axis]

contact Gizmo he will sort it out for you

 

[e46Allen]

Hi All,

Thought I would feed back on the issue:

Had a Chap come over and take a look see this morning, privateer now, but worked at BMW for 10 years.

We tried to start the car to diagnose the issue of steaming exhaust and water loss but as it hadn't been started in 2 months or so, it would just turn over.
Fuel was being supplied and spark was there.

But still just turned over and almost wanted to "take"

So, out with the Coil Packs and out with the Spark Plugs, that were "supposed" to be replaced on Inpection 2 in March this year, and I checked the invoice and I was charged for 6 new plugs. :argh: . Has only 8000km since the Inspection 2 service. SO...Yet another Dodgy BMW Dealer that I will be visiting next week with the proof. And a Request for 10 minutes alone with the Mechanic / part fitter. :fishwack:

The plugs that came out of the car where at least 100K old the Chap said this morning. If not never been changed in 181000 km.

Bought new NGK Platinums for R350.00 put them in, and boom, took first time.

So time to check the original symptoms:
Still steaming out the Exhaust...
So the chap gave it a while to warm up and bled the Cooling system again, lots of air... I / We are still confused as to the amount of steam... strange.

but then this too went away and the car is purring like it usually did. :joy:

Took it for a 30 km drive, and no over heating, and I will check in a while when it is cooled down if it used any water in the 30km.

Thanks for the responses, much appreciated.

Allen

 

[Coisman]

Lets hope she stays healthy!! :rollsmile:

 

[SP33DYV]

Nice. So problem solved. Air pocket in the water system. :nono:

 

[Coisman]

Nice. So problem solved. Air pocket in the water system. :nono:

Jaaa... that can give one a many grey hairs... ask me... :facepalm:

 

[e46Allen]

Hi All,

So it is is still using some water... 30 km ride, about 300 to 400ml.

So I assume to check a pressure test tomoz, and see if there is a leak anywhere in the cooling system.

But other than that, she is driving perfectly again.... so strange.

 

[Coisman]

Did you check the cap??

 

[e46Allen]

YEah, The Cap was Replaced (or so they say and charge me) at inspection 2 in March.

I am taking her to silverton Rads this afternoon for a look see...

Will report back after

 

[SP33DYV]

Maybe a hairline crack on the radiator... :thinking:

 

[e46Allen]

Maybe a hairline crack on the radiator... :thinking:

Radiator was replaced 2 months back I Hope not....