Micro crack in radiator

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Wed Jul 14, 2021 3:56 am

Weighing options! I just realized there is crack in the radiator plastic housing. I am new in repairing cars. Should i patch it with epoxy or replace it?

bigwinn · Post by **bigwinn** » Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:34 am

Replace

Any repairs I’ve ever done regardless of product fail a lot quicker than a new part

And over time you’ll probably spend as much on repairs as a new rad!

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 2:57 am

Thank you. Should I replace all the hoses and sensors as well or not necessary. This 05 still has all original parts. I bought this 05 3.0i manual for $6700. Most of the plastic is cracked or falling apart. I think this was abandoned somewhere in the airport lol.

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 3:02 am

My options for new radiators are as follows:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/ ... 61854#tab1

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/ ... 9&DID=9654

https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/su ... tm%23item4

bigwinn · Post by **bigwinn** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 8:26 am

Again only my experience- the hoses are good but the o-rings inside the pipes fail or would benefit from replacement

Have a look at real oem to get part numbers

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:01 am

bigwinn wrote: ↑Thu Jul 15, 2021 8:26 am Again only my experience- the hoses are good but the o-rings inside the pipes fail or would benefit from replacement

Have a look at real oem to get part numbers

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

Yup, I agree, the O-rings in mine were flat, so would not properly seal again.
You may well find that replacing the radiator changes the dynamics in the cooling system: better flow, higher pressure, etc. In turn this may then look for the next weakness in the system and you could potentially see leaks from the water pump or thermostat housing, or from a hose you haven't disturbed. Also keep a close eye on the expansion tank for signs of leaks.
Yes, you could dive in and replace the lot, but most of these jobs are relatively straightforward so I think unless you can identify an obviously weak area, just change the radiator and its associated O-rings then keep an eye on the rest and put a bit of cash aside when you can, just in case.

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 5:30 pm

Thanks a bunch for all the help. Can you make a recommendation on the replacement radiator I should buy please

Also, When I took the bottom covers off, I could see oil leak around the bottom of the engine

Where could it be leaking from??

BumpyZ4 · Post by **BumpyZ4** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:13 pm

There are usually 3 main places where they leak 1. Oil filter housing gasket. 2. Valve cover gasket. 3. Oil sump gasket. There are other places but I would look at those three first.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:16 pm

BumpyZ4 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:13 pm There are usually 3 main places where they leak 1. Oil filter housing gasket. 2. Valve cover gasket. 3. Oil sump gasket. There are other places but I would look at those three first.

And, to be honest, that leak has obviously been there a while so it will have spread around a bit. You would probably need to clean it off first and then monitor to see where it starts again from.

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:43 pm

Yes, I just bought this vehicle after driving 120 miles one way in California. A great condition car like mine is going for $12k

. Bought this for $6700. So, kind of knew it would have issues.

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:44 pm

Oh by the way, I was thinking about using local car wash to clean it with a pressure gun. Yay or Nay?

05_3.0i_zoom · Post by **05_3.0i_zoom** » Fri Jul 16, 2021 1:01 am

Pardon my ignorance but I would not find the oring section for the radiator hoses

rdgreen · Post by **rdgreen** » Fri Jul 16, 2021 1:20 am

05_3.0i_zoom wrote: ↑Fri Jul 16, 2021 1:01 am Pardon my ignorance but I would not find the oring section for the radiator hoses

That's because there isn't one. The 'O' ring is part of the hose assembly that you buy. You can buy just the rings from a bearing shop (or wherever they sell them in your neck of the woods) but I don't know off hand what size they are. Replace the entire set of hoses as they aren't that expensive.....compared to an overheated engine.

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:35 am

05_3.0i_zoom wrote: ↑Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:44 pm Oh by the way, I was thinking about using local car wash to clean it with a pressure gun. Yay or Nay?

Water on its own isn’t going to clean that up, you need to use a degreasing agent first.
Rob

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Fri Jul 16, 2021 12:43 pm

That's a lot of oil to be leaking down from the oil filter housing gasket or cam cover gasket and then to go forward onto the steering rack etc. I would hazard a guess that unfortunately it is coming from the sump/oil pan gasket but the only way to tell for sure would be to get it all cleaned off first and then monitor the 3 possible culprits. The best way to remove all that mess would be to find a garage/Detailer with a proper hot water steam cleaner as it will be much more thorough than using Gunk and a cold pressure washer

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