Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
Post Reply
Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Sun Sep 18, 2022 5:05 pm

Hi everyone!

I recently bought a 2003 2.5i knowing it needed a lot of TLC as despite only having 65,000 miles, it had been neglected by its previous owner.

Thanks to this forum I could tell the car was leaking (major) oil from the oil filter housing gasket and despite everyone pleading me not to, I insisted on having a main dealer carry out the work along with inspection I, for a “piece of mind”.

I got the car back, and shockingly I got a significant discount from the price quoted to me the previous day. Lo and behold I received a car with blown speakers and rattling from a broken windscreen trim cover.

Cut a long story short it’s now been 3 weeks since it came back from the dealer and yesterday I decided to replace the spark plugs and see if I would notice any signs of oil around the valve cover, and replaced all the ignition coils, and having done that thought I would also check the oil and coolant levels…

The oil was fine however the attached pictures show what I found when I lifted the coolant cap!

What’s worse is despite the coolant being contaminated with oil (which I’m praying was a result of the ofhg leak) and crystallised “stuff” it was practically empty and there was no warning light on the dashboard!

How empty would it have to be to flag it on the dashboard?

Should this not have been checked as part of inspection i by the main dealer?

I obviously have a coolant leak as there is oxidisation on the on the thermostat housing and there’s gooey coolant sludge around the expansion tank (and inside it too).

The car didn’t overheat nor did any lights come on in the dash. I bought the car little over 2 months ago when the coolant level was definitely full.

Mechanics are not to be trusted in this part of the world and after the last experience I’m petrified of leaving the car for someone else to diagnose.

What should I do? I refilled it two days ago using substandard coolant and it appears not to have leaked since, I have never seen any coolant on the ground.

I’d be grateful if someone could help me with a definite diagnosis as I’d fare better going to a mechanic knowing what I need to have done.
Attachments
3DCD04CE-A514-4CB4-B2C7-2B11508EAB8F.jpeg
3DCD04CE-A514-4CB4-B2C7-2B11508EAB8F.jpeg (131.28 KiB) Viewed 562 times
6C31293C-3EB4-4CA1-BED1-0F590DEAC297.jpeg
6C31293C-3EB4-4CA1-BED1-0F590DEAC297.jpeg (109.55 KiB) Viewed 562 times
CA4EC6FF-8A70-4431-B347-7E526B513DC4.jpeg
CA4EC6FF-8A70-4431-B347-7E526B513DC4.jpeg (98.67 KiB) Viewed 562 times
79488661-9A57-47BA-8169-814983D41907.jpeg
79488661-9A57-47BA-8169-814983D41907.jpeg (118.34 KiB) Viewed 562 times

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14383
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by enuff_zed » Sun Sep 18, 2022 5:30 pm

Hmmm. Difficult to immediately diagnose but I will point out that the float in the expansion tank only operates over the top 2/3s of the tank. The low level sensor is separate and operates over the bottom 1/3 of the tank. Therefore you could still have 1/3 of the tank full.
Step 1 - add coolant, measuring as you go, and see how much it takes to get to max on the float.
Repot back with that and then monitor to see if it drops again.
Likewise, clean up the cap and se if anything builds up again.
Step by step and we'll see how we go with it.
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

User avatar
bigwinn
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4559
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
Location: Lincoln UK
Contact:

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by bigwinn » Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:10 pm

note its easy to override the float sensor too by looping it out- I've seen that before

Agree with Martin- top it up see if its losing fluid when at temp
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:

Image


EWS Delete PM me
Coding- airbags etc PM me

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14383
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by enuff_zed » Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:23 pm

And just to follow up with the standard question............
Where are you?
We may be able to help.
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

Dr. Zed
Member
Member
Posts: 490
Joined: Thu Jun 11, 2020 12:45 pm
Location: Swindon

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Dr. Zed » Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:45 pm

Maybe this sounds a bit naive but why not bring it back to the dealer and get to fix all the issues they clearly missed. Having said that, I wouldn't trust this dealer anymore but it seems they either did more damage than they fixed or just grossly overcharged you for subpar service.

The fact they gave you a discount and it was immediately followed by issues suggests they messed up somewhere.

As mentioned, the only way to properly test for a leak is with the engine on so there's pressure in the system.

It's definitely going to need a full coolant flush regardless but before you do that I'd run a test on the engine for a leak if you think there's coolant getting into the oil or vice versa.
Maldives Blue 2.5i E85

User avatar
bigwinn
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4559
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
Location: Lincoln UK
Contact:

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by bigwinn » Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:32 pm

A learned friend who knows his stuff in this area suggests that the red rusty looking crud on the is RADWELD

I think the garage are clutching at straws
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:

Image


EWS Delete PM me
Coding- airbags etc PM me

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14383
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by enuff_zed » Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:37 pm

bigwinn wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:32 pm A learned friend who knows his stuff in this area suggests that the red rusty looking crud on the is RADWELD

I think the garage are clutching at straws
Methinks the 'garage' should be cut loose!
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

Online
User avatar
patriot66
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3467
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 2:59 am
Location: Mawdesley, Lancashire

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by patriot66 » Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:09 pm

Hi Gee-Lanty. When were those photos taken ? Pre or post visit to the dealership ? The oil filter cap/housing are covered in dirt and dust and don't look like they've been touched. Also, those bare multicoloured wires should have black plastic corrugated sheathing to protect them :thumbsup:
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !

Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:29 pm

Hi guys,

Thanks for all of your advice. Unfortunately someone crashed in to me the other day. The reinforcement bar behind the rear bumper is completely mangled, but the bumper itself is only slightly damaged and miraculously all the sensors are fine so car is going in for a repair and paint job. :x

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14383
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:33 pm

Gee-Lanty wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:29 pm Hi guys,

Thanks for all of your advice. Unfortunately someone crashed in to me the other day. The reinforcement bar behind the rear bumper is completely mangled, but the bumper itself is only slightly damaged and miraculously all the sensors are fine so car is going in for a repair and paint job. :x
Pretty sure the impact must have disturbed the cooling system too? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more squire. :wink: :thumbsup:
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:45 pm

Dr. Zed wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:45 pm Maybe this sounds a bit naive but why not bring it back to the dealer and get to fix all the issues they clearly missed. Having said that, I wouldn't trust this dealer anymore but it seems they either did more damage than they fixed or just grossly overcharged you for subpar service.

The fact they gave you a discount and it was immediately followed by issues suggests they messed up somewhere.

As mentioned, the only way to properly test for a leak is with the engine on so there's pressure in the system.

It's definitely going to need a full coolant flush regardless but before you do that I'd run a test on the engine for a leak if you think there's coolant getting into the oil or vice versa.
I will never take my car there ever again! There doesn’t seem to be any leaks at the moment. There definitely was when I bought the car and it was definitely from the ofhg which has been resolved. I check the oil regularly and it’s pristine, no milky substance or coagulation of any sort. Also the valve gasket seems to be fine as there was no oil in the spark plug cylinders or anywhere around the valve cover.

But the coolant is another issue! I have no idea if it was like this previously, it more than likely was. Just don’t understand how the dealer didn’t notice this when doing the fluid checks.

Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:54 pm

patriot66 wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:09 pm Hi Gee-Lanty. When were those photos taken ? Pre or post visit to the dealership ? The oil filter cap/housing are covered in dirt and dust and don't look like they've been touched. Also, those bare multicoloured wires should have black plastic corrugated sheathing to protect them :thumbsup:
In all fairness they were clean when I picked the car up. I live in Cyprus by the way. It’s a very dusty country!

Despite breaking everything else, they definitely did resolve the oil leak, which was continuously dripping on the floor.

Thanks also for the tip, I will get the sheathing to cover the wires. :thumbsup:

Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Wed Sep 21, 2022 8:02 pm

bigwinn wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:32 pm A learned friend who knows his stuff in this area suggests that the red rusty looking crud on the is RADWELD
I believe him! The seller did admit the cooling system had “blown” and that it was fixed, that’s probably what he meant by “fixed”! :lol:

Gee-Lanty
Member
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:39 am

Major coolant issue. In dire need of advice..

Post by Gee-Lanty » Wed Sep 21, 2022 8:05 pm

enuff_zed wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:33 pm Pretty sure the impact must have disturbed the cooling system too? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more squire. :wink: :thumbsup:
Absolutely!! Worth a shot…

Post Reply