GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: M20 Headgasket, Losing Coolant...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    39

    Default M20 Headgasket, Losing Coolant...

    I believe I have to replace the head gasket on my 89 525ia @ 123,000mi. I am losing about 1 quart of coolant for every 50mi of highway driving. It does not appear to be leaking anywhere outside the vehicle either. At the same time, There is no smoke whatsoever coming from the exhaust which I have always thought was a tell-tale sign of a blown headgasket. Two questions:
    1) Is there a chemical additive that I could try dumping in the radiator which might stop minor head gasket leaks?

    2) Assuming that I do have to replace the head gasket, I know I have to order the set which includes all the other gaskets/seals which need to be replaced. I was wondering if there was anything else I should consider while the head was off? I think I will do the timing belt and water pump as well, is it necessary to change the timing belt tensioner?

    Thanks,
    Geoff

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Benneton (United Colors of)
    Posts
    3,067

    Default

    are you currently using the air conditioner? it probably wouldn't consume as much as 1 qt/50, but in my case recently, it was going out of the evaporator drain. also, how is your oil level? it doesn't have to be turning into milkshake for it to be mixing. is it rising as of late?

    Quote Originally Posted by ocampg
    I believe I have to replace the head gasket on my 89 525ia @ 123,000mi. I am losing about 1 quart of coolant for every 50mi of highway driving. It does not appear to be leaking anywhere outside the vehicle either. At the same time, There is no smoke whatsoever coming from the exhaust which I have always thought was a tell-tale sign of a blown headgasket. Two questions:
    1) Is there a chemical additive that I could try dumping in the radiator which might stop minor head gasket leaks?

    2) Assuming that I do have to replace the head gasket, I know I have to order the set which includes all the other gaskets/seals which need to be replaced. I was wondering if there was anything else I should consider while the head was off? I think I will do the timing belt and water pump as well, is it necessary to change the timing belt tensioner?

    Thanks,
    Geoff
    "..Torchinski v. Peterson that it is legal to carry a concealed weapon, so long the weapon is totally slick like a huge ass machine gun that you carry under a trench coat, like in the Matrix."


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    39

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ryan roopnarine
    are you currently using the air conditioner? it probably wouldn't consume as much as 1 qt/50, but in my case recently, it was going out of the evaporator drain. also, how is your oil level? it doesn't have to be turning into milkshake for it to be mixing. is it rising as of late?
    I have not been using the A/C consistently, it does not seem to have any effect on the amount of coolant lost. I checked the oil, still level, still clean. I am thinking it might not be leaking in that direction, rather it may be leaking into the exhaust passages? Even still, wouldn't I see some smoke coming from the exhaust?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    baton rouge, loserana
    Posts
    6,922

    Default

    a little coolent won't steam up the exhaust, if you are pumping it into the cylinder/s the cooling system will be getting pressureized by the combustion gasses
    all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    39

    Default Will this work?

    anybody ever try this stuff?

    http://www.rxauto.net/

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 4
    Last Post: 04-05-2008, 05:45 PM
  2. Losing Coolant Please Help!
    By farrk007 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-07-2007, 05:15 AM
  3. Car overheated and losing coolant. Please help
    By kentish in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-19-2004, 01:07 AM
  4. Losing Coolant
    By Unregistered in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 03-22-2004, 05:46 PM
  5. Losing coolant...ideas?
    By TimGinCentralNJ in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 02-25-2004, 11:52 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •