e46 epansion tank

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:27 am

I believed that I damaged my new expansion tank while installing as it did not go in easy. I used a rubber mallet to make it seat on the water connections below. After starting, coolant is dripping from the top lip of the ET. OK, so I how do you install the ET with out applying too much pressure?

Thanks,
Al

RAYADAM · Post by **RAYADAM** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 5:41 pm

Al323i wrote:I believed that I damaged my new expansion tank while installing as it did not go in easy. I used a rubber mallet to make it seat on the water connections below. After starting, coolant is dripping from the top lip of the ET. OK, so I how do you install the ET with out applying too much pressure?

Thanks,
Al

any sort of lubricant like Sili-glide,petroleum jelly,etc... do not use wd-40 or any other penetrating lubricant,that can damage the seals. or just simply coat the seals with coolant,pretty slippery stuff.

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 5:47 pm

Ray,

I 'lubed' the O rings with dishwasher soap and the connectors below had coolant at their top, so I did swish my finger in them and around their circumference. I am pretty sure that the ET is toast and will order another one.

Al

victory1auto · Post by **victory1auto** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:40 am

I agree that 100% coolant should do the trick as a lube. Don't feel too badly about damaging the tank, you certainly ain't the first ...

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 11:13 am

Vic,

Yes, I know, I read a number of posts on other sites, but it is just annoying that BMW used so much plastic under the hood.

Is it advised to remove the bracket and ET as an assembly from the car to service the ET?

Al

kevnj · Post by **kevnj** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:33 am

Al,

I had a hard time doing this as well. Took allot of persuasion to get the plastic ports seated on the expansion tank.

I vowed to pull the radiator next time and install it out of the car even if the radiator wasn't being replaced.

These plastic parts really are awful!

Good Luck,

Kev

kbsilver · Post by **kbsilver** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:47 am

For me getting things to go together is not a problem, it's getting them apart. I use P-80 rubber lube which is designed exactly for this purpose. You can get smaller quantities (less than a case) off eBay (P-80 rubber). I'd get the general quart size that you can use for lots of things, you really do not need the hose specific type.

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:21 am

Keith,

I ordered a new ET and mounting bracket hoping to assemble the two outside the car, but as you stated, getting them apart is a problem. I can't seem to get enough leverage to remove the heater hose from the bracket. Are there any tricks to use?

Al

kbsilver · Post by **kbsilver** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:00 am

Not sure exactly what you are referring to but many have had success softening the o-rings that get stuck by heating the couplings with a heat gun (careful - not too hot) or hair dryer. Hope this helps.

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:07 am

All back together, and as of now, no leaks. It seems that the trick is to replace both ET and bracket, assembled before installing in the car, AND use genuine BMW parts.

FYI - My original water pump had a metal impeller. (2000 323i)

Thanks everyone for your help.

Al

New Jersey BMW CCA

e46 epansion tank

e46 epansion tank

Re: e46 epansion tank