Subject: New radiator installation Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 11909 posts Posted on: 2004-07-29 23:14:01

I thought the recent overheating problem might have been a blown head gasket, but I think I dodged the bullet. After replacing the radiator and tightening several leaky hose clamps, the cooling system was pressure-tested to 120 pounds (yes, that's a lot more than the normal 18-21 pounds). After letting it sit a couple of days, there was no evidence of water in the cylinders so it looks like the head gasket is ok after all.

The new radiator has been in place for a day and a half now and it is keeping the engine temp gauge steady at the 11 o'clock position. Yesterday it went to the 1 o'clock position after idling for about 30 minutes with the A/C on in 95 degree Hotlanta weather. That seems normal, though.


The old radiator after it was pulled from the car. There are no records of it having been replaced by either of the previous owners. I have other service records from them, so I believe this was probably the original radiator.


It was leaking at the seam between the metal and the plastic.




The new Nissens radiator ($230) installed in the car. It appears to be a good quality radiator.


A hand pump attached to the coolant fill cap was used to pressurize and test the system for leaks.

David Cecil
'97 740iL, 125k miles
'86 735i, 94k miles

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• Good morning 7er's! - DavidC 2004-07-28 10:29:32 (370 views)
  • New radiator installation (pic) - DavidC 2004-07-29 23:14:01 (1483 views)
  • Did you really mean 120 LBS ???? (nt) - johnhstein, 85-M6CSi, 85 745i & 84 633CSi 2004-07-28 12:11:38 (357 views)
    • yes, that's what I was told by the mechanic -- too much? (nt) - DavidC 2004-07-28 13:09:05 (414 views)
      • Re: yes, that's what I was told by the mechanic -- too much? - dave88te 2004-07-28 14:39:12 (397 views)
        • Pressurized cooling system - stretchpdx 2004-07-28 16:55:08 (397 views)
          • No, the radiator was attached. I guess its just sturdy. (nt) - DavidC 2004-07-28 18:31:31 (393 views)
            • Re: No, the radiator was attached. I guess its just sturdy. - dave88te 2004-07-29 11:21:41 (354 views)