Coolant Reservoir Tank

[Powderhound]

Hi- My 2001 X5 4.4 coolant reservoir tank is leaking where the top and bottom of the tank join. Is it suggested to buy a new tank (and can I do that myself) or can I just seal the leak w/ a type of epoxy or sealant? I appreciate anyone's help... PH

[darkhorse737]

if you prep your surface well, it might work. no harm in trying. jst make sure u use the 24 hr cure epoxy compunds. 5 min epoxy will not work.

What u are up against is that the reservoir pressures can reach as much a 16psi or higher... whether epoxy can hold that pressure, i really cannot say.

[Powderhound]

Thanks for the suggestion Darkhorse, it is certainly worth a try!

[witeshark]

I would watch it. Heating and cooling will stress any epoxy; it will let go, it's just a matter of when.

[Powderhound]

That is a good point.. it is split on the seam which is typically a weak spot. Thx.

[darkhorse737]

i would try anyway... $4.00 for good epoxy & some TLC while you do it vis-a vis a reservoir tank +/-$90.00 if it does bust, oh well, you tried ;-)

[Powderhound]

Good point DH, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

[darkhorse737]

pleaaase... just watch your temp guage.

the consequence/s of overheating is immense...and to think it was jst bcz of reservoir gone bad.

Have a nice day & Good Luck to you.

[Powderhound]

Very good point...dont want a minor problem to become a major problem. Thanks for the heads-up!

[jvest2000]

Just wanted to comment on this although I don't think my problem was the same thing the problem i did have seems to be pretty common. My washer fluid was leaking out due to one of the pumps going bad (though the pumped still worked it was leaking). Here's a little write up I did on the parts I got and how I fixed it for cheap:

BMW X3 Washer Fluid Leak Fix

[mikemellowz]

It's good that did it by yourself. But every time you can’t do it, somewhere and somehow you will need a BMW repair shop to get it repaired. But be very careful when you repair your by yourself, by mistake you can do harm to your car as well for yourself.

[davie motors]

Originally Posted by mikemellowz

It's good that did it by yourself. But every time you can’t do it, somewhere and somehow you will need a BMW repair shop to get it repaired. But be very careful when you repair your by yourself, by mistake you can do harm to your car as well for yourself.

Dont take the risk , just replace with new reservoir tank ,
Doron,Davie Motors | European Auto Specialist