My car is bleeding coolant.... Please help

[XMAX]

Hi all,

Yesterday on my way back to midrand from Hillfox Market in Roodepoort I got a low coolant warning light. I pull off to find coolant leaking from what could be a pipe at the bottom of the Expansion Tank, OR the Expansion tank itself.


Ive contacted Tunetech who quoted me R2k to replace the Expansion Tank. This is definitely not within my budget. Could someone please assist.


Edit: Ive contacted Goldwagen, who wants R780.00 incl Vat. This is definitely within my budget.

I have to fit this in a 2003 E46 330D Steptronic. Does anyone have a DIY for this item on a Diesel (the Engine compartment appears to have a lil more space around the expansion bottle than my E46 325i.

p.s. I live in Midrand, and travel to Edenvale everyday. I topped the expansion tank this morning, and when I got to work it was leaking again.


I dont own any jack stands. I dont own any high lift jacks. I have very limited tools (Screwdrivers, Shifting and a rough spline set).


How many litres of coolant will I need. Which brand is preferrable, and whats the process for filling it.

 

[jeff_denning]

I'm not 100% sure about the 3 series, but I had a similar issue where my one hose from the radiator had a small crack in it, leaking coolant.

First off, try and clean off the leaked coolant to see where exactly the leak is coming from. You should be able to tell by cleaning it, starting the car and letting it idle until the water and coolant gets hot.

You can also double check your bleed screws and make sure that they're all tightened up properly.

If it's loose, it'll be bleeding itself slowly but surely.

For the coolant levels, it depends if you bleed the whole system or not. If you expansion tank needs replacing then you'll probably have to.
While you're busy getting things fixed up carry lots of water with you and drive like a granny

Good luck dude!

 

[XMAX]

Quick Update.... I put the car at an inspection pit and noticed that the expansion tank is not leaking. In fact the hose that runs from the bottom of the expansion tank upwards was rubbing against a pulley and this hose has been eaten through causing the leak.


I dunno the part number, and RealOEM doesnt work properly at work.


This is the hose that connects to the bottom of the expansion tank.

 

[msm]

Quick Update.... I put the car at an inspection pit and noticed that the expansion tank is not leaking. In fact the hose that runs from the bottom of the expansion tank upwards was rubbing against a pulley and this hose has been eaten through causing the leak.


I dunno the part number, and RealOEM doesnt work properly at work.


This is the hose that connects to the bottom of the expansion tank.

I might have that hose spare at home - it is a used one, but still fine. R50 and you can have it. I'm in Midrand - send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[P1000]

Quick Update.... I put the car at an inspection pit and noticed that the expansion tank is not leaking. In fact the hose that runs from the bottom of the expansion tank upwards was rubbing against a pulley and this hose has been eaten through causing the leak.


I dunno the part number, and RealOEM doesnt work properly at work.


This is the hose that connects to the bottom of the expansion tank.

Oh yeah, there is that issue on these cars, caused by a mounting somewhere that needs replacing. It might be the gearbox ones...

 

[XMAX]

@MSM PM Sent.


@P1000 - would cable tying the hose away from the pulley help with this. I know that its a quickfix, but its probably the cheapest option.


p.s. If MSM has the correct pipe, then Ill be alot better off.