So this car had a coolant before, I took it to the same garage as they said they would fix it for free if it was the same issue, shock horror, it isn't.
Now can someone who understands cars please explain to me in very simple terms how it's my oil leaking into my coolant that is now the reason my low coolant light it showing?
So here's the story so far.
- car originally fails because engine coolant is low
- find out engine coolant pipe is cracked and needs replacing
- 17 months later, engine coolant light is flashed again
- I top up engine coolant, car leaks immediately from roughly where the engine coolant is
- AA and RAC both visit, both believe its the engine coolant, both top up water in coolant to see it leak, both say it's coming from further back
- all liquid on the floor is clear and doesn't smell like oil.
How is oil contaminating with my engine coolant liquid and as a result its now leaking from my coolant tank only and an engine coolant light is showing.
This sounds like complete bollocks, unless someone can educate me
So this car had a coolant before, I took it to the same garage as they said they would fix it for free if it was the same issue, shock horror, it isn't.
Why would coolant be leaking from the oil filter? Confusing.
Anyway like others have said, when oil is mixing with the coolant, that is usually a sign of a failed headgasket. The headgasket might have failed due to the engine getting too hot as a result of a coolant leak.
Why would coolant be leaking from the oil filter? Confusing.
Anyway like others have said, when oil is mixing with the coolant, that is usually a sign of a failed headgasket. The headgasket might have failed due to the engine getting too hot as a result of a coolant leak.
What car is it?
I think that's what it is, but that's not what they've explained to me on the phone.
They've also suddenly changed their tune regarding the coolant valve itself and said it is faulty when they said it wasn't the last two times.
I'm adding car mechanics to my wanker list of jobs.
BMW 3 series mate, don't get one, or any newish BMW for that matter by the sounds of things. The more I've learned, the more I regret.
I've done my own research and it does sound like a head gasket issue over anything else.
The white residue they are talking about is a complete myth as I expected, it comes mainly from a poorly fitted coolant valve.
Their fix has more to do with the engine oil filter.
I'm speaking to an approved BMW garage today and getting a third opinion
Always best mate to start with a main dealer, and get a professional diagnosis, I know it can be more expensive, but getting things done first time is better than farting about with non specific dealers, anyway best of luck mate..
I've done my own research and it does sound like a head gasket issue over anything else.
The white residue they are talking about is a complete myth as I expected, it comes mainly from a poorly fitted coolant valve.
Their fix has more to do with the engine oil filter.
I'm speaking to an approved BMW garage today and getting a third opinion
Always best mate to start with a main dealer, and get a professional diagnosis, I know it can be more expensive, but getting things done first time is better than farting about with non specific dealers, anyway best of lick mate..
It's more so they said they'd do it if it was the same issue.
I don't know how honest/dishonest they are. A lot of their reviews are positive, some horrendous. Unfortunately I'm at the mercy of car garages like most people.
Head gasket + 1. I would go down a BMW specialist garage if you have one nearby. Always found main dealers fob you off / talk bollocks. I have an Alfa for my sins but have a specialist who I would trust with my life, never mind the car. Had to twist his arm up his back to sell me a can of oil as he was so defiant that I would not need to top up. Good luck with your search. Any BMW owners groups you can contact?
For stuff like this it's always a good idea to insist they keep the failed part to return to you. Years ago I was told the camshaft had failed and when I asked for the return of the old cam, magically it turned out to be a loose timing chain issue!
A lot of German cars, the oil cooler whilst is like a small radiator that does what it says, cool the oil, they often also have water running through it to aide the cooling. If the gasket fails it can let a little oil into the coolant.
The housing itself shouldn't be more than a couple of hundred pounds. As to access I don't know, it may be a 4 hour booked job. I'd ask as a minimum a breakdown of cost between parts and labour.
I wouldn't bother with a main dealer unless the car is under manufacturers warranty. They charge nearly 200 quid an hour for labour and often just replace parts without any diagnosis.
As has been suggested search for a BMW specialist instead. A good one will have better experience than a main dealer, and their hourly rate should be a lot less.
Check for a BMW forum for your car. Might find a friendly group who also know of a good specialist in your area.
Why would coolant be leaking from the oil filter? Confusing.
Anyway like others have said, when oil is mixing with the coolant, that is usually a sign of a failed headgasket. The headgasket might have failed due to the engine getting too hot as a result of a coolant leak.
What car is it?
I think that's what it is, but that's not what they've explained to me on the phone.
They've also suddenly changed their tune regarding the coolant valve itself and said it is faulty when they said it wasn't the last two times.
I'm adding car mechanics to my wanker list of jobs.
BMW 3 series mate, don't get one, or any newish BMW for that matter by the sounds of things. The more I've learned, the more I regret.
An expensive lesson, but it is what it is
My father, after retirement age, had a job for about six years welding up cracked BMW cylinder heads.
2/3 days a week, they wanted him full time because of the throughput.
I've used the BMW specialist D&t Wise in Sandford road Bexleyheath for quite a few years and find them decent and very honest. I know that will be too far for you but might be worth giving them a call and seeing if they can recommend anyone in your area?
How much did they charge for the repair 17 months ago, and did it come with any advice / guarantee that it was problem solved / warning that it might be something else etc
Comments
This is the email I've received:
So here's the story so far.
- car originally fails because engine coolant is low
- find out engine coolant pipe is cracked and needs replacing
- 17 months later, engine coolant light is flashed again
- I top up engine coolant, car leaks immediately from roughly where the engine coolant is
- AA and RAC both visit, both believe its the engine coolant, both top up water in coolant to see it leak, both say it's coming from further back
- all liquid on the floor is clear and doesn't smell like oil.
How is oil contaminating with my engine coolant liquid and as a result its now leaking from my coolant tank only and an engine coolant light is showing.
This sounds like complete bollocks, unless someone can educate me
Anyway like others have said, when oil is mixing with the coolant, that is usually a sign of a failed headgasket. The headgasket might have failed due to the engine getting too hot as a result of a coolant leak.
What car is it?
The white residue they are talking about is a complete myth as I expected, it comes mainly from a poorly fitted coolant valve.
Their fix has more to do with the engine oil filter.
I'm speaking to an approved BMW garage today and getting a third opinion
They've also suddenly changed their tune regarding the coolant valve itself and said it is faulty when they said it wasn't the last two times.
I'm adding car mechanics to my wanker list of jobs.
BMW 3 series mate, don't get one, or any newish BMW for that matter by the sounds of things. The more I've learned, the more I regret.
An expensive lesson, but it is what it is
I don't know how honest/dishonest they are. A lot of their reviews are positive, some horrendous. Unfortunately I'm at the mercy of car garages like most people.
The housing itself shouldn't be more than a couple of hundred pounds. As to access I don't know, it may be a 4 hour booked job. I'd ask as a minimum a breakdown of cost between parts and labour.
2/3 days a week, they wanted him full time because of the throughput.