Radiator help, please!!!

[jayturk99]

Hi forum, I'm having an overheating problem with a 1998 323 convert. Diagnosed the problem as a bad expansion tank, replaced that, now I have a problem with the radiator. The overflow hose that extends from the top of the radiator to the expansion tank, had a leak at the clamp, so I thought. The nipple that the hose slides onto broke, part of it was in the hose, now there's only a little stub coming out of the radiator. Is there a way I can extend it, or would I have to replace the entire radiator. I was able to tighten the clamp onto to the stub enough to get home, I was only a mile at most form home. Thanks for any assistance.

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by jayturk99

Hi forum, I'm having an overheating problem with a 1998 323 convert. Diagnosed the problem as a bad expansion tank, replaced that, now I have a problem with the radiator. The overflow hose that extends from the top of the radiator to the expansion tank, had a leak at the clamp, so I thought. The nipple that the hose slides onto broke, part of it was in the hose, now there's only a little stub coming out of the radiator. Is there a way I can extend it, or would I have to replace the entire radiator. I was able to tighten the clamp onto to the stub enough to get home, I was only a mile at most form home. Thanks for any assistance.

Welcome to Bimmerwerkz.......

Probably not, it is a pressurized system.......you might try a threaded tube insert.......try finding something that fits tight & maybe self-threading. If it works, apply some high temp. silicone to the thread.

example:

H.W. Eckhardt Corporation

[jayturk99]

Thanks for the reply, if I can find something like that to fit over the nipple, that may do the trick. If I can't find it locally, I may have to order.

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by jayturk99

Thanks for the reply, if I can find something like that to fit over the nipple, that may do the trick. If I can't find it locally, I may have to order.

I was thinking more like to fit inside the hole of the nipple........ It would be stronger & less likely to break.



johnny,

[jayturk99]

Thanks for the reply, if I can find something like that to fit over the nipple, that may do the trick. If I can't find it locally, I may have to order.

[jayturk99]

To fit on the inside the diameter may not be large enough and stiffle the flow, that's why I said outside. I'll take another good look at it tomorrow.

[qualicas]

Just be aware that any fix like that should be considered temporary. The entire radiator should be replaced. Read various posts about the cooling systems. If you want to be on the safe side, water pump should be replaced if it hasn't already been replaced while you are doing the radiator. Of course, then there is the fan, if that goes it will take out the new radiator. Bit of a can of worms you've opened. If you do nothing and it overheats, you can add fixing the warped head to the repair list. But I'm just getting into BMW's I'm just parroting what I have read. I am following this advise however.