Coolant leak - 400se.

[Maniman]

Hi all,

So, we had a real glimpse of spring over the past few days! I hope you boys and girls have been enjoying your wedges in the sunshine!

Sadly I developed a coolant leak back end of last year and probably should have sorted it over the winter. Anyhoo, it looks like the radiator is leaking - was hoping it was just a hose. For those of you that know me, you'll know I'm not very handy with the spanners, so I enlisted the help of my FiL to be.

We were (sorry, he was) wondering if you can easily remove the radiator while the car is on stands or does it need to be higher?! I know it has to be removed from below and have found a thread that explains what to do and in what order, but any advise would be appreciated.

On another note, anyone know where to get the radiator reconditioned in the Reading area?

Paul or Ed, I hope you guys read this!

Thanks in advance guys!

Mani

[pwd95]

Done 2 now, 350i & 450SE & both came out the bottom without too much of a struggle TBH. By the time you've finished you/he'll be a dab hand.

P.S. No need to touch the pods either. You can reach in to the access hole with the spanner.

[Maniman]

Thanks Wyn, at least not having to remove the pods should make things easier.

Will the radiator come out if the car is on axle stands or does it need to be higher?!

Thanks again,

Mani

[pwd95]

Yes, axle stands no problem, plenty of room.



The front spoiler had to come off on the 350i but there's room with the 400/450SE for it to come straight out. Mine came out without removing the 'bib' too.

[adam quantrill]

For some reason there was stuff in the way under mine and it only wanted to come out upwards, after taking the fan cowl off.

[ROOODBOY]

pwd95 said:

Sorry to go off topic, but how come the bonnet is hinged at the rear on this Wedge..?

[pwd95]

I undid the front hinge bolts & supported it with the stick shown.

[ROOODBOY]

That did coss my mind, thanks!

[jmorgan]

Yep, remove bonnet. Lots more room. Some internal fibre glass had to be removed underneath, only a square inch or so to allow it to pop out easier. No fiddling with light pods. Otter switch in the side can be a pain, if you feel up to it, blank it off on the recore and fit an inline temp switch. If you can fill it up through the heater in pipe. Two bolts hold it in the cradles, one either side (?). I fitted a waterproof high capacity connector in the wiring loom so when I did it the next time the wiring was not a hassle.

[dixiebabes]

pwd95 said:

Yes, axle stands no problem, plenty of room.



The front spoiler had to come off on the 350i but there's room with the 400/450SE for it to come straight out. Mine came out without removing the 'bib' too.

Now thats my kind of garagre Wyn totaly unorganised just how it should be.

Dix

[Maniman]

Thanks for all your feedback guys

I'll give it a go, thankfully I have my FiL helping!

Mani

[Maniman]

Hi All,

Got the radiator out and reconditioned, all back in with some new silicon hoses as well!

Jobs a goodun!!! Thanks all for the tips and hints all worked out well!!

Spent the whole weekend in the car, any excuse!

Gave her a good clean and polish, sparkling like a diamond

Mani