Cooling System Refresh

[BCS_ZHP]

Talk to me, who's done this before.

Bought a kit with new radiator, Stewart water pump, the 3 hoses, thermostat housing, bleed screw, expansion tank, coolant. I intentionally didn't order the belts as mine are only 4 months old. Went to BMW today and got a new tensioner pulley too. I'm not intending to change over from mechanical to hydraulic tensioner, so it was just the pulley.

So how hard, how long does it take to make this repair? Are any special tools required? I have an appt set up for Monday to have this done by my mechanic of 25+ years, but if it's easy I may try it tomorrow to save the 5 hrs of labor (his initial estimate).

Looking for your feedback.

[az3579]

It truly isn't difficult to do. The hardest part will be removing the expansion tank, as it's stuck on there. The rest of it is very easy though as long as you follow instructions. So easy, I did it all by myself.

Just remember to mix the coolant with distilled water, 50/50.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

My expansion tank was also a Sept 2011replacement, so likely to retain that and save the new expansion tank for the other E46, the wife's.

[kayger12]

If you don't have to do the expansion tank, everything is very straight forward, Bruce.

No surprises.

If the water pump gives you any trouble coming loose, slowly and evenly sink the two, 10mm bolts from the airbox into the two threaded holes on either side of the pump.

That will push it free from the block.

The lower hose can be a bit of a beeyotch to get loose from the radiator. Little elbow grease will get her done, though. As a matter of fact, if you're doing a new radiator, I'd just cut her and save the time.

I'd say you'll be done in about 3-4 hours.

If you run into any issues, there are plenty of us here to help.

Just pm me or shoot me a call if you hit a snag.

You can absolutely do this and save the money.

http://www.bmw330ci.net/maintenance/completecoolant.php

[Newjack]

I have a writeup in my build thread, link to the build thread should be in my signature.

Its a fairly easy DIY but will take a couple hours when taking your time. Hardest part for me was the expansion tank removal and lower radiator hose removal.

Just keep in mind that when you drain your coolant, you will make a mess. You can catch a majority of it with a pan, but the coolant essentially voms right out of the drain hole.

Post if you have any specific questions. This is a very common DIY that a bunch of members here, including myself, have done successfully.

Gingervolt + TT

[danewilson77]

Diy and call me if you run into problems.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[BCS_ZHP]

Dane wished you lived closer to be my security blanket. Checked and I do have the two required torx sockets Keith mentioned. if I can get out of the kids' soccer games (indoor) tomorrow, hopefully, then I'll take a shot at it.

[kayger12]

I'm telling you, Bruce- you've absolutely got this.

Dane or I (or any of the family members who have done this) can walk you through whatever you need.

Your security blanket is a phone call or post away.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[BCS_ZHP]

Keith,
Breaking loose the nuts/bolts connecting the pulley to the water pump, does this require a special tool?

[Smolck]

Talk to me, who's done this before.

Bought a kit with new radiator, Stewart water pump, the 3 hoses, thermostat housing, bleed screw, expansion tank, coolant. I intentionally didn't order the belts as mine are only 4 months old. Went to BMW today and got a new tensioner pulley too. I'm not intending to change over from mechanical to hydraulic tensioner, so it was just the pulley.

So how hard, how long does it take to make this repair? Are any special tools required? I have an appt set up for Monday to have this done by my mechanic of 25+ years, but if it's easy I may try it tomorrow to save the 5 hrs of labor (his initial estimate).

Looking for your feedback.

I can do that in an hour tops. If you go to my youtube channel linked in my signature, you will see some videos of the process. Yes, I know the camera work sucks, but you try and work with one hand and film with the other. But you will get the idea and see firsthand how easy it is and why you should DIY.
EDIT: just saw you are doing a radiator too, I have a vid for that too.

Keith,
Breaking loose the nuts/bolts connecting the pulley to the water pump, does this require a special tool?

All you need is a 10mm socket. They are at about 10 or so ft lbs of torque so they are just barely tight.