Subject: Look at the heater valve on the drivers side Author: bimmer5michael : member since March, 2005 : 529 posts Posted on: 2008-11-25 12:00:17

check all the hose connections, (it's kind of under the fender and a little difficult to see unless you actually take it out and inspect it also check the expansion tank connection at back of cylinder head. You have a leak somewhere and these are some of the places I have found them in the past on E34s, easy fix if the plastic fitting is broken (new heater valve).

I have had 3 E34s that developed a 'slight' coolant leak and all of those turned out to be the heater valve. One E34 leaked at the expansion tank but that one was easy as it dumped the entire contents of the engine and radiator in less than 60 seconds with no warning, easy fix (new expansion tank).

Now there is an evil little leak possibility (a small crack at I believe no 6 cylinder) that only seems to leak after the car is at running temp but does not seem to show at cool temps (had that one once as well, just bought a rebuilt head and installed)

I would not use any of the products mentioned on any of my BMWs but having said that...................there was once upon a time when I really wanted to get rid of an Oldsmobile Cutlas "BroooHam" that had developed a cracked head or leaking gasket. I must confess that I did use the Bars leaks product and low and behold it got us back to Chattanooga from California with no further troubles, I traded the car some months later still with no problems.

I AM NOT ADVISING YOU TO USE THE PRODUCTS ON ANY CAR YOU REALLY LIKE TO DRIVE!!

Try looking for leaks in all the places mentioned to you by everyone here and you will find the leak.

I am developing a similiar puzzling leak somewhere in my E39 but I am pretty sure it is either the cap or the expansion tank.

Michael - Chattanooga Tennessee
00 540 Sport / 6 speed, SaharaBeige Metallic / SamanaBeige II Montanna Leather, Xenons, DSP, CD Changer, Auto dimming rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers, fold down rear seat, Style 32 staggard wheels, Hankook Ventus V4 ES 245/45/WR17/95W Fronts and 275/40/WR17/98W Rears. 132,800 Smiles and climbing!

08 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 C Anniversary Edition Number 0064/3200 Copper and Vivid Black
12,400 miles

Other BMWs hanging around needing attention

98 E36 328i 5 speed Sport/Premium PKG
00 e46 323ia Premium Pkg
BMWCCA 65795

• Head Gasket in a bottle... - lweaver 2008-11-19 12:31:26 (316 views)
  • Look at the heater valve on the drivers side - bimmer5michael 2008-11-25 12:00:17 (189 views)
  • Re: Head Gasket in a bottle... - Shayne 2008-11-21 00:10:14 (219 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 (164 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)