Upper Radiator Hose --- Swells then Pops Off

[Evan]

I've decided to go ahead and remove the heads and have them checked for cracks and then replace the head gaskets.

I'll be doing a search for M60 head gasket threads and I'd love to hear some firsthand experiences from those of you who have them!

[whiskychaser]

[QUOTE=Evan]I've decided to go ahead and remove the heads and have them checked for cracks and then replace the head gaskets.

Did you check to see if any plugs are wet or if the coolant is black? Think I would want some definite answers before I started taking heads off

[Dave M]

Evan,

Did you ever get the cooling system pressure tested? Just wondering as I'm quite interested in this thread.

Dave

[Evan]

Dave, I didn't test the pressure but I suppose I can.

Just from looking I can tell you that the pressure is sky high... the hose is literally inflating like a balloon.. either compression or exhaust is getting into the cooling system.

My thinking is as follows:

Spend $200 at the BMW dealer to get a diagnosis that may or may not tell me whether I may or may not have a bad head gasket, cracked head, or some other problem...

Spend $400 on parts, tools, and beer... remove heads and have them checked for cracks, install new head gaskets, and do a valve job.

I'm thinking Warsteiner for the beer...

[AllGo'n'Show]

radiator ever replaced?

[Dave M]

Dave, I didn't test the pressure but I suppose I can.

Just from looking I can tell you that the pressure is sky high... the hose is literally inflating like a balloon.. either compression or exhaust is getting into the cooling system.

My thinking is as follows:

Spend $200 at the BMW dealer to get a diagnosis that may or may not tell me whether I may or may not have a bad head gasket, cracked head, or some other problem...

Spend $400 on parts, tools, and beer... remove heads and have them checked for cracks, install new head gaskets, and do a valve job.

I'm thinking Warsteiner for the beer...

I was thinking you could buy/rent/borrow the pressure tester and do it yourself. All you need to do is screw it on and get the car up to operating temp. Too bad you're having to go through this, but you will learn a heap.

Let us know what the gasket(s) head(s) look like.

Dave

[Dave M]

radiator ever replaced?

I think Evan went through all this. If he hasn't tested the rad, a first easy step would be to remove it, drain it, then run a hose through it or just blow through it while moving it around to see if an obstruction materializes.

[AllGo'n'Show]

whoops only read first page didnt see the other 4 lol, my bad.

[Evan]

I have another car to drive so it isn't as bad as it could be.

and... you're right.. I'm learning all kinds of **** I didn't think I'd be learning this summer

[Evan]

The radiator is in good shape with no obstructions!