Subject: Re: Answers to Head Gasket in a bottle... Author: lweaver : member since November, 2008 : 17 posts Posted on: 2008-11-21 09:43:38

TIA to everyone providing me with assistance. I'm going to try to answer Shaynes', e34jefs', and cloudnines' questions in the same response.

Do you have bubbles in the expansion tank?
- I have not checked. Long story shortened. Fixed the waterpump/t-stat 6 mos ago, 2months after car starting running hot. Checked and found a small leak in a loose hose clamp and attributed coolant loss to loose hose. 2mos later car started running hot again, again coolant loss, but found no leaks and suspected fan clutch. Topped off and went upon my merry way, I figured I just hadn't top off the coolant enough the previous time when I found the loose hose. Again 2mos pass, and this time I figured I'd really try to get to the bottom.

It was only after my gf was following me and called me to ask why there was so much white smoke billowing out of my tailpipe did I start to take notice of the rough idle at start-up in the morning as well as the longer than normal time it takes the car to get to operating temp.

Does the rad hose get stiff immediately after starting the car from cold?
- I have not checked

Is there 'milkshake' or 'coffee with cream' on the oil cap?
- No, I checked under the oil filler cap, and around the top of the dipstick.

Does your exhaust smell sweet?
- Yes

Is the exhaust excessive and white when the engine is fully warmed up?
- Yes

Is the idle 'off'?
- Before the engine is fully warmed up, Yes, after it warms up, No, but the excessive white smoke appears.

I do not believe there is a leak in the radiator, as I have checked pretty extensively for leaks. The fan clutch I replaced this past weekend. When I top off the system this weekend, I will bled the system again, the last time I bled it was after replacing the thermostat and water pump.

I do not know if I have a defective expansion tank cap. How would I go about checking it?

From the looks of my responses, it would appear that I have coolant getting into the cylinders. I have purchased a product to use, but I will hold off on using it til I hear what you all think. Sorry for such a long response, but want to make sure I don't put anything into the system I don't need.

TIA for the advice

Law
91' 535i 5spd 242k

• Head Gasket in a bottle... - lweaver 2008-11-19 12:31:26 (315 views)
  • Look at the heater valve on the drivers side - bimmer5michael 2008-11-25 12:00:17 (188 views)
  • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - Shayne 2008-11-21 00:10:14 (218 views)
    • Re: Answers to Head Gasket in a bottle... - lweaver 2008-11-21 09:43:38 (221 views)
      • Re: Answers to Head Gasket in a bottle... - cloudnine 2008-11-21 10:23:29 (163 views)
        • Re: Answers to Head Gasket in a bottle cont'd... - lweaver 2008-11-21 13:57:41 (165 views)
          • Re: Answers to Head Gasket in a bottle cont'd... - cloudnine 2008-11-21 16:37:51 (165 views)
            • Update - lweaver 2008-11-24 13:18:43 (173 views)
              • Re: Update - jneer750 2008-12-29 14:10:21 (97 views)
                • Re: Update Response - lweaver 2009-01-03 16:52:28 (96 views)
              • Re: Update - cloudnine 2008-11-24 18:09:38 (132 views)
          • engine/cat warm up - kfister 2008-11-21 14:41:44 (166 views)
            • OOOooman! Excellent tips Ken! - e34jef 2008-11-21 15:51:24 (137 views)
  • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - yaofeng 2008-11-20 06:57:27 (154 views)
    • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - cloudnine 2008-11-20 18:21:29 (158 views)
      • Good point C9 - e34jef 2008-11-20 23:24:48 (151 views)
  • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - e34jef 2008-11-19 15:50:44 (172 views)
    • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - roguepidgeon 2008-12-26 11:30:55 (104 views)