2002 E39 530i Sport
Discussion
Opened the bonnet this evening for my fortnightly checks, although I couldn't check coolant level as the engine was hot. There's white dots all over the front of the engine, looks like coolant has got into the fan which has sprayed it about a bit. Not a massive amount though. I assumed it's coolant anyway.... All the cooling system is original. I reckon next week I'll be ordering a new water pump, viscous coupling radiator and pipes. I'll get some pics in the morning and check the coolant level.
sparks_E39 said:
Opened the bonnet this evening for my fortnightly checks, although I couldn't check coolant level as the engine was hot. There's white dots all over the front of the engine, looks like coolant has got into the fan which has sprayed it about a bit. Not a massive amount though. I assumed it's coolant anyway.... All the cooling system is original. I reckon next week I'll be ordering a new water pump, viscous coupling radiator and pipes. I'll get some pics in the morning and check the coolant level.
Sure it's not just water from outside? Overspray from the headlight washer?Mine uses a small amount of water, probably top it up once a month with half a cup.
Coolant levels haven't dropped. I don't know if headlight wash can get in? Does anyone else get these marks in the same area? I had them on my 528 but a bleed screw went so I assumed it was coolant from that. It's been suggested that it's just dirty water that has splashed up somehow.
Edited by sparks_E39 on Sunday 4th August 01:25
You need to try and pinpoint what the fluid is. At the very least track it to car fluid / not car fluid.
Perhaps get some kitchen paper and (when cool) dry off the top hose mating points, clean off the fan shroud etc.
Then open bonnet, start car and let it idle up to temp until the fan kicks in.
Have a torch handy to look at rad, bottom hose etc.
If stuff is on the bonnet it has either been flung there by the fan or come out under pressure. Assuming it is not oil then pressurised fluids in that area are not many.
I reckon 75% chance it is muddy water but you need to make sure.
Perhaps get some kitchen paper and (when cool) dry off the top hose mating points, clean off the fan shroud etc.
Then open bonnet, start car and let it idle up to temp until the fan kicks in.
Have a torch handy to look at rad, bottom hose etc.
If stuff is on the bonnet it has either been flung there by the fan or come out under pressure. Assuming it is not oil then pressurised fluids in that area are not many.
I reckon 75% chance it is muddy water but you need to make sure.
So you've seen this in your 530i?
sparks_E39 said:
I find myself cleaning off brake dust weekly now. The fronts especially get filthy in no time!
do you have the polished lip? the only reason i'm not jealous of your wheels. Managed to clip the corner piece of the undertray during the week
put a hole in it. Going to try and repair it myself at work with some aircraft grade structural adhesive. (will be the only thing left in the event of armageddon!)S3_Graham said:
do you have the polished lip? the only reason i'm not jealous of your wheels.
Managed to clip the corner piece of the undertray during the week put a hole in it. Going to try and repair it myself at work with some aircraft grade structural adhesive. (will be the only thing left in the event of armageddon!)
I believe so.Managed to clip the corner piece of the undertray during the week
put a hole in it. Going to try and repair it myself at work with some aircraft grade structural adhesive. (will be the only thing left in the event of armageddon!)There was a pool of water in the lower engine tray this morning, gathered just behind where the expansion tank is. I was initially worried then realised it was probably where I hosed off the wheels Friday evening (only driven a mile since and it didn't move yesterday) Coolant hasn't dropped significantly by the looks of things, and it's done 300 miles since the last check.
sparks_E39 said:
I believe so.
There was a pool of water in the lower engine tray this morning, gathered just behind where the expansion tank is. I was initially worried then realised it was probably where I hosed off the wheels Friday evening (only driven a mile since and it didn't move yesterday) Coolant hasn't dropped significantly by the looks of things, and it's done 300 miles since the last check.
Mine always has a pool of water there after its been raining or after I've washed it.There was a pool of water in the lower engine tray this morning, gathered just behind where the expansion tank is. I was initially worried then realised it was probably where I hosed off the wheels Friday evening (only driven a mile since and it didn't move yesterday) Coolant hasn't dropped significantly by the looks of things, and it's done 300 miles since the last check.
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