E36 radiator blow up

[Hans Conser <conser@xxxxxxx>]

Paul, this is a common problem with the plastic endtank radiators on the
newer BMW's.  I fixed mine with some JB Weld and it was okay for about 3
weeks, then I redid it with a metal tube inside the plastic tube the hose
clamps on and lots of JB Weld, that got me through fall and winter, but it
was starting to leak again so I got a new radiator for about $160 from
http://www.importpartsspec.com/shop/default.htm

Good luck,

Hans

P.S.  IF you didn't drive it hot it should be fine




- ----------------------------------------------
> 
> Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 14:48:48
> From: "Paul Frederick" <pfrederi@domain.elided>
> Subject: Busted radiator (who knows what else?)
> 
> Hello All
> My radiator blew up this weekend while driving home. The part where the hose
> connects to the upper part of the radiator broke off in the hose and blew
> coolant all over the engine bay which caused it to smoke. Before I looked
> under the hood I didn't know what had happened. Upon closer inspection I saw
> the hose with the radiator piece still clamped on it broken off. I let the
> car cool down some and drove it home the rest of the way(about 1/2 mile to a
> mile)I know I probably should not have done this but I did not want to leave
> my car at that location and no shops were open at this time of night for me
> to have it towed to. I hope I did not cause further damage like blowing the
> head gasket.
> My questions
> - - Is it possible to somehow weld that plastic piece back on to the radiator
> where the hose connects to it as a temp fix (my guess is no but I am not
> sure)?
> - - Is there anyway I can tell if I blew the head gasket(visual inspection
> without removing parts, error codes)?
> - - If the radiator is replaced what else needs to be replaced along with
> it(water pump,thermostat, hoses) or can the old parts be used?
> - - Can I replace the radiator with a used one or is this not recommended?
> Where is a good place where I can get these parts on the internet?
> - - If my water pump needs replacing whhat kind is recommended, plastic?
> - - what might have caused this to happen in the first place?
> 
> Any help on these questions are greatly appreciated.
> thanks
> Paul '95 M3

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