Radiator Leak Question

[Wakeeta]

Hi, I have a bit of a problem with a leak in the top of my radiator, I have a picture of the problem area. The yellow arrow indicates the direction the coolant is leaking out from, there seems to be a gap between that metal bracket and the block where the hoses attach. As you can see the coolant does need a flushing, another thing on the to-do list for this car. Does anyone have any experience with this particular area leaking? I'm thinking I'll be needing to replace the whole radiator (and probably renew the whole cooling system while I'm at it) but I was hoping to find any info on whether or not this could be repaired for the time being. Thanks for any and all help you can give!

[dnguyen1963]

I cannot tell from the picture if the leak is from where you pointed with the arrow or from the hose connecting to the radiator. If it is the hose then you should remove the BMW clamp and replace it with a regular hose clamp. BMW crimp-style clamps can lose tension after 20 yrs. If it is from the top of the radiator, clean it really well, dry, then put a blob of JB weld on top as a temporary fix. It is time for you to replace the radiator.

[Wakeeta]

Thanks. The leak isn't from the any of the hoses, its undoubtedly coming from the joint underneath that metal flange where my arrow is coming from. I thought about JB Weld but wasn't sure, I suppose it can't make any worse, I'll give that a try until I can grab a radiator.

[jlevie]

You can try JBweld as quick & temporary fix, but the age of the parts alone indicates replacement is required. A good rule of thumb for an E30 (or other BMW) cooling system is replacement every 10y/100k. That means the radiator, expansion tank, cap, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, and all hoses.

[grays]

just change the rad. better in the long run

[bigdaddy325ic]

Hello

Hello , I had the same problem with mine ... jbweld works but I justed replaced it because the cracked got bigger ....