Water Pump

[SureShot434]

Sooooo I was driving to lunch yesterday and my power steering stopped working and battery light came on. Great....I drove one more mile to the gas station and when I pulled in there was smoke coming from under the hood. I opened the good slowly, and there was fluid all over the place, and my alternator belt was shredded. :( I thought I may have shredded the belt and that the fluid was power steering. Had it towed to my uncles house to work on it and got new belts on the way. I took the belts off, and started turning all the pulleys. It was there that I found the water pump bearing was thrown :( yay!!!! So a trip to auto zone for one 55 bucks and lifetime warranty. Went back and installed the new water pump, and belts. Now time to put coolant back in. When I started to poor in the coolant my heart sank....fluid was pouring out of the expansion tank!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!! I pulled the air box off, and sure enough there was a crack running from top to bottom :( after another trip to autozone, the expansion reservoir is on order and will be here tomorrow afternoon. Then, fingers crossed, she will be good as new...for now. Seems like everything is going wrong lately. Good news is it's all different things, so after investing all this money and parts, Sheila will be running for another 173k miles.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/21/a9uhunep.jpg
Crack on expansion reservoir.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/21/ja9u5yju.jpg
Serpentine Belts....
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/21/y8ugerez.jpg

[danewilson77]

You may have melted the pistons.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[SureShot434]

You may have melted the pistons.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

That's not what I want to hear :(

[danewilson77]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1295124-Blown-528i-update-New-motor-advice

I've dealt with this.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[SureShot434]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1295124-Blown-528i-update-New-motor-advice

I've dealt with this.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

Thanks Dane. I should note, that the temp gauge did not rise, and there was coolant in the lines, pump, and radiator. The fluid that was in the engine bay was solely from the expansion tank. I know that cause upon taking the pump out fluid went everywhere good thing I was ready for it.

[kayger12]

I can read the tea leaves. Ordering my exp tank and hoses this this weekend...

[SureShot434]

I do not know if the previous owner had done a cooling overhaul, and I've been meaning to do it. I have had the car for exactly three years now and driven 69k miles.

[kayger12]

I've done the water pump and thermostat, but I've been riding out the original exp tank and hoses. I'm just over 75k now-- using your close call as a motivator.

[Hermes]

Please order a GENUINE exp tank! There are quality differences and the cost difference is not that much

[kayger12]

^Good advice. Already done here. All OEM parts via Tischer. Not worth screwing around with cooling system components.

[WOLFN8TR]

It's funny how some exp tanks go earlier than others. I just did my entire cooling system and my exp tank was dated 10/04.
This is the also the main reason I opted to get the UltraGauge in my sig. For $60 you get a early warning if the coolant temp gets beyond the safe limit with a audible alarm.

Good luck with the repair, hope your car is ok.

[johnrando]

Yes, GL on the repair. Fingers crossed.

[NorCalZman]

the BMW dealer noticed my exp tank seeping around 89k. I replaced it that day. I believe I was pretty lucky. The previous owner did the thermostat after it threw a code I believe around 60-70k. I believe that only leaves the water pump and hoses.

Anyway, OP, goodluck with your situation. I hope your engine is ok. I have to say, it always perplexes me when people encounter what seems like really odd or serious car behavior and continue to drive any distance. I have had my fair share of break downs when I was younger and I always pulled over to investigate as soon as something seemed amiss. Probably learned from my father early on that continuing to drive can make a smaller problem much bigger.

[Stewbie]

Does Tischer have a refresh kit? I'm only finding individual parts. Doing some googling, there are lots of kits available:

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW_Cooling_System_Refresh_Kit_p/e46coolrefrkit.htm

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1987-complete-cooling-system-overhaul-package-1999-2006-e46-323i-325i-328i-330i.aspx

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-325i-M54_2.5L/Engine/Cooling/Refresh_Kit/

[SureShot434]

Reservoir overflow tank came today, and after work I installed it. Put all the hoses back on, and filled her up with coolant. She is back on the road!!! No other problems have surfaced :) I think I got lucky.

[danewilson77]

Reservoir overflow tank came today, and after work I installed it. Put all the hoses back on, and filled her up with coolant. She is back on the road!!! No they problems have surfaced :) I think I got lucky.

Good news.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[SureShot434]

So I believe my Thermostat may be going bad. After payday I think I will be replacing the thermostat and the hoses that got to and from the thermostat. Not a bad price at autohausaz. Anyone know of better pricing, or is that the best deal I'm going to get?http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/23/bubesuda.jpg

[WOLFN8TR]

Don't forget the temp sensor that goes in the lower rad hose. Get OE if possible.

[SureShot434]

Don't forget the temp sensor that goes in the lower rad hose. Get OE if possible.

Couldn't find it on autohausaz. All I could find was the level sensor. Any advice?

[WOLFN8TR]

ECSTuning has them.

[SureShot434]

This?http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/23/u4u4asa9.jpg

[WOLFN8TR]

This?http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/23/u4u4asa9.jpg


Yes Sir...Free shipping also. FYI: Affiliate link.

[SureShot434]

The one on ECS looks different O.o

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/23/ytudasyv.jpg

[WOLFN8TR]

That's not the correct one for the lower radiator hose. The first one from Amazon is correct. The sensor just snaps in not threaded in.

[SureShot434]

That's not the correct one for the lower radiator hose. The first one from Amazon is correct. The sensor just snaps in not threaded in.

Ohhhh um ok lol thanks!

[danewilson77]

Are we talking about E90 or E46?

[SureShot434]

E46 is what we are talking about. E90 was totaled on June first. Replaced with a 2013 Dodge Charger for the gf to drive.

Soooo checked the fluid level today and I had to add coolant. Started it, and had to add more again. There is white smoke coming from the exhaust, but the oil does not smell like coolant. Idk what's wrong. I drove it to pickup my paycheck at the concert venue I work at, and when I got back I check the coolant level. About 5 miles round trip. When I checked the levels it was about a quarter inch from over flowing the expansion reservoir. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

[Hermes]

I'm betting on piston rings (which would not be a good thing at all) for the smoke. The coolant level dropping, not sure about that

[kayger12]

E46 is what we are talking about. E90 was totaled on June first. Replaced with a 2013 Dodge Charger for the gf to drive.

Soooo checked the fluid level today and I had to add coolant. Started it, and had to add more again. There is white smoke coming from the exhaust, but the oil does not smell like coolant. Idk what's wrong. I drove it to pickup my paycheck at the concert venue I work at, and when I got back I check the coolant level. About 5 miles round trip. When I checked the levels it was about a quarter inch from over flowing the expansion reservoir. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

You sure it didn't overheat when you lost the exp tank?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

[SureShot434]

I'm sure since the temp gauge didn't rise, and there was still a lot of coolant in the system when I took it apart.


Sent from my new iPad :)
since my droid broke :(

[3ZHPGUY]

I put together this Water pump DIY a few years ago, take a look at the bleeding procedure and statement about the fill level. If you've done it according to this and your still loosing fluid, you probably have internal issues. If that is the case pull the spark plugs and inspect them to see if the may have a blue or green tint to them from the coolant.. If you do a compression test, it may shoot water out of the cylinders or into the compression Gage.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?524-BMW-E46-Water-Pump-Failure-Diagnosis-and-Replacement

[kayger12]

Roger that. Remember you posting that up earlier now.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

[SureShot434]

I did not know about the bleeder screw.....to bleed the system we filled with coolant and ran the engine with the cap off, and added when necessary. This is how my uncle has always done it on his vehicles, and when he was a mechanic. The car ran for ten minutes and fluid was periodically put in, and temp gauge was watched and never rose. Am I ok?

[3ZHPGUY]

I did not know about the bleeder screw.....to bleed the system we filled with coolant and ran the engine with the cap off, and added when necessary. This is how my uncle has always done it on his vehicles, and when he was a mechanic. The car ran for ten minutes and fluid was periodically put in, and temp gauge was watched and never rose. Am I ok?

I tried that and it didn't work for me, the car would over heat when I took it for a short ride. Once I bled the system it was fine. If this doesn't work for you, you need to do a pressure test. See if you can get a service manual from your local library, it will help you in your diagnosis.

[WOLFN8TR]

When bleeding your cooling system it works best to have the front of the car elevated, ramps or elevated driveway. Turn on the heater set on high fan on low. Exspansion tank cap off and bleeder screw open. Fill the exspansion tank with coolant untill it comes out of the bleeder screw. You can now start the car and continue bleeding in this method. Install the expansion tank cap and bleeder screw and drive the car for a short period. Park it and let engine cool. Repeat this method several times, letting the engine cool in between bleeding. It took me 3 or 4 times to get all the air out of the system.

[3ZHPGUY]

When bleeding your cooling system it works best to have the front of the car elevated, ramps or elevated driveway. Turn on the heater set on high fan on low. Exspansion tank cap off and bleeder screw open. Fill the exspansion tank with coolant untill it comes out of the bleeder screw. You can now start the car and continue bleeding in this method. Install the expansion tank cap and bleeder screw and drive the car for a short period. Park it and let engine cool. Repeat this method several times, letting the engine cool in between bleeding. It took me 3 or 4 times to get all the air out of the system.

Good points.

[SureShot434]

Well shit. We did it that way the only difference is I didn't have the bleeder screw off. I have to drive it in the am to work 1.5 hours each way. I don't have any coolant at my house.

[WOLFN8TR]

You can just add Distilled Water for now.
If you didn't open the bleed screw I would bet there is still air in the system which can cause issues. Ask me how I know this. It took me several bleeding sessions to properly get all the air out.

http://youtu.be/mcYjGHU4lEY

[3ZHPGUY]

Check the float. If it's sticking out more than 3/4 inch above the radiator cap collar, the system is over full and you may be able to bleed off the air with out adding any new coolant.

[SureShot434]

Just went out and took off the bleeder screw coolant was not up to it. Put it on but not all the way, and started the car. Air came out. Let it run to temp, and the coolant level looked good. Little bits of air came out here and there, and now no air is coming out. Tightened all the way and fluid level looks good.

[WOLFN8TR]

Do you still need a call?

[BCS_ZHP]

Gary,
Just give him a call, you're probably most recent to the cooling system.
Bruce

[SureShot434]

Ya that would probably help a little

260-416-7222

[WOLFN8TR]

Ok

[SureShot434]

Thanks for the call!! :)

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks for the call!! :)

Welcome, good luck driving to work in the morning.

[SureShot434]

Welcome, good luck driving to work in the morning.

Thanks! Haha

[SureShot434]

Bleed the system twice today, and coolant level is looking good :)

[Hermes]

Smoke gone?

[WOLFN8TR]

Bleed the system twice today, and coolant level is looking good :)

Nice!

[danewilson77]

Smoke gone?

+1

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[SureShot434]

I did not see any smoke today, will check again in the am when I get off work and head home. Also fluid levels are holding same after driving and letting cool.

[danewilson77]

Good deal. You might be outta de woods.

How many times have you driven it since the fix (miles?).

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[WOLFN8TR]

I would say at least 200.

[SureShot434]

I would say at least 200.

+1 ^ lol since the fix I have driven 328.7 miles.

[WOLFN8TR]

+1 ^ lol since the fix I have driven 328.7 miles.

Dam! I remember you said how much driving you do, man thats alot since we spoke. I noticed you changed you sig photo, what's up with it up on a flat bed?

[SureShot434]

Dam! I remember you said how much driving you do, man thats alot since we spoke. I noticed you changed you sig photo, what's up with it up on a flat bed?

Hahaha I know I drive a lot!!! Ya my sig is when I had my flat tire (you can see the flat on the front driver tire), and spare wheel and tire is an inch bigger :facepalm insurance covered the tow to the tire shop.

Ended up with not one, but TWO puncture holes side by side within an inch of each other, so that meant new tire yay!

[Dave1027]

Do I have it correct that you drove a mile with a shredded serpentine belt?

[SureShot434]

Do I have it correct that you drove a mile with a shredded serpentine belt?

Yes that is correct.

[Dave1027]

Yes that is correct.I'm surprised that did not fry your engine. Without the serpentine belt the water pump does not run.

[SureShot434]

I'm surprised that did not fry your engine. Without the serpentine belt the water pump does not run.

I'm just as suprised as you are.

Now I have a rattling noise. The noise doesn't always happen, but only happens when I'm sitting still. It goes away when I drive off. I think it may be exhaust??

[Hermes]

Jack up the car and look underneath, there has to be something loose that is contacting at idle

[SureShot434]

Jack up the car and look underneath, there has to be something loose that is contacting at idle

Plan on doing that. I really need to just replace the exhaust. I don't like the stock exhaust.

[Dave1027]

It could be a rattling heat shield. Need to identify the source of the rattle.