Still tracking down coolant leaks.

[Snowman]

I've been smelling coolant lately and noticed the reservoir needed topping off. Looking around I noticed some seepage around the bleed screw on the T-connector. I tried to tighten it, but it's still leaking. In lieu of replacing the whole connector, I'm thinking it needs a gasket under the screw. Any thoughts???

 

[tex599]

If you are talking about the factory hose with the plastic t, you will most likely have to replace the whole hose. I went through this with my 03 DII, once it starts to leak it just gets worse. They do not come with a gasket or o-ring, it supposed to be seal on its own.

 

[pinkytoe69]

They do not come with a gasket or o-ring, it supposed to be seal on its own.

Umm, no.

If you get a new screw from the BMW dealer, it has an o-ring on it.

 

[Snowman]

What is the purpose of this bleed screw anyway, and is there a procedure I need to follow when replacing it?

 

[jymmiejamz]

The purpose of the bleed screw is to bleed air from the cooling system. Unscrew it and screw the new one in, and do not over tighten it.

 

[pinkytoe69]

it's to bleed air from the coolant system.

The rave fill/bleed procedure is:

1. Fill the jug to the line
2. Unclip the jug and raise it above the engine. I put a box in the jug space and balance it on than and the jack containter.
3. Raise the top hose out of the shroud "clips"
4. Unscrew the bleed screw till a nice flow of coolant starts coming out. Let it flow till all the air is gone and keep the jug full during.
5. When the air is gone, tighten the bleeder (not too tight!), top off the jug, and put the cap back on.
6. Put the top hose back.
7. Put the jug back in its clips and go for a drive with the heater on full blast.
8. After the drive top off again if necessary.

 

[pinkytoe69]

Also, some say to remove the screw completely during the bleed procedure.

If you want to do that, its fine. Just make sure you are holding the screw securely during the last turn or it will pop out and may disappear in the engine bay.

This is why I know that the BMW dealer screw has the o-ring

 

[KyleT]

I have bled hundreds and never removed that screw...

Plus it looks like your hoses are needing to be replaced anyway, it looks to me like coolant is permeating between the hose layers, ie the orange color in the end of the hose where it is cut.

 

[ChristopherP]

I had the same issue several weeks ago. Bought a replacement screw from the Dealership part number PEI 000010.

 

[Dane!]

I have the BMW screw as well, I wouldn't remove the screw also. I lost mine as pinkytoe did.

 

[Snowman]

Thank you... all great info!