Subject: Great input, the more input the better...... Author: cn as CNN-090 : member since July, 2004 : 981 posts Posted on: 2006-05-14 23:21:05

>>> 1) The plastic t'stat housing on my car ('97 528) began to "seep".
My Factory Tstat Housing was still good when removed at 89K miles.
I learned the trick of smearing a small amount of grease on O-ring and seals when doing water Pump + Tstat Housing job from my cousin who is a pro bmw mechanic in L.A. (20-yr exp). The grease makes installation easier and helps seals any small tiny opening.


>>>2)The aluminum t'stat housing that I used is still leak free (see temporary above)....

As mentioned, my cousin bmw mechanic has used verything aluminum (MTC, Ronak etc.) and has had a few customers coming back 12 months or so with leak. He mentioned that the Aluminum Tstat Housing was not machined well and creates uneven surfaces therefore leakages.
He told me to go with dealer Plastic Housing.

>>>3) I also installed the Nissens radiator, but be careful of one thing. Protect the drain plug with your life.

When draing coolant, I usually remove the lower radiator hose.
For those who wants to drain with drainlug, perhaps one should grease it from day one, it makes removal easier.

>>>4) I notice that you had the same problem with PS hoses that I had when I was replacing them. Namely, ATF in the alternator.

Actually Alternator is pretty water proof, even ATF or water enetering it will not be a problem as long as you hose it later and start the carsoon to dry it off.

I have cleaned many of my cars (BMW, Volvo, Honda) engines and I have never covered the Alternator.

I only covered:
-Brake Reservoir
-Engine Oil Fill Cap/dipsticks
-PS Reservoir
-Headlight

They key thing when cleaning engine is after applying degreaser, turn the water as if you use a spray bottle, a fine mist to clean slowly, you do NOT want a strng stream of water here.

cn90

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