Serious Help With Engine Needed

[IRocka528e]

ok, I just got this 1986 528e. It's pretty cool. But it leaks antifreeze/water, and today it suddenly wouldn't start. My friend and I determined that the leak is coming from a hole on the "fan mount", behind the fan, which is right behind the radiator. The radiator needs to be replaced too, but we would like to stop the leak as well; the radiator thing isn' that serious. Anyway, we also saw that it actually leaks in two places, because there is another hole exactly alike on the under side... We thought the holes were for some screws that must have popped out, but there are no grooves or threads (the holes are supposed to be there, they're not rust holes or anything). Then, since it had no grooves, my friend thought that maybe there is a sensor or something that's supposed to go in the hole(s). Does anyone know what these holes are, or what is supposed to go in the holes? Here's the hole (attached):
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[540i]

Take it to the nearest body of water and sink it! Nah, Just kidding! The leak that you are describing and showing in the pictures is from the water pump. There is what most people refer to as a "Weep-Hole" on the water pump. It's usually a good indication that the water pump is bad -- when it leaks out of the hole. Another reason that it could be leaking from there is over-pressurization of the cooling system.

I would suspect that you need to pinch your pennies and go buy a new water pump for her. They are simple to replace and you'll probably stop the leak. As for why it didn't start -- I'm not to sure. If the car wasn't an older one, I would suspect that maybe a coolant level sensor was preventing the car from starting. I'm not too well versed with BMW's myself -- so I don't know all of the little things that they have hidden in the computer that controls the car.

P.S. Nothing goes into the weep holes! They are there for a reason! They tell you that your water pump has flown south and it's time to replace it!

Good Luck,

Greg

[IRocka528e]

thanx a lot greg, that helps a whole lot. now I know what needs to be done

[540i]

It was my pleasure!