Water in spare tank drys up - suspect internal leak

[KNRaj]

Dear fellow members,It's been long I've posted... Need help now...I'm having major issues with my ride at the moment (e46 318i 1.9 M43 CBU Japan 00/05)Noticed radiator low water warning a few times, had to pull over & top up. Temperature never riseChecked & found no leaks tube or water pump, suspect internal leakfound stains of oil at engine side cover...Mechanic said head gasket leaking & need open do overhaul... Can anyone help 2nd opinion suggestion or advise what to do?rgds,Raj:banghead:102:

 

[jarance]

Any loss of power or white smoke?

If none of the above, it just the head valve cover gasket that is harden and need to replace. Remember to replace the O-ring
rubber grommet as well.

As for the losing of water coolant, check the ABS hoses and rubber hose. Check also the thermostat and the water pump for sign
of water stain. Another thing to look for is the radiator and expansion tank.

Look out for the two hoses under the air intakes manifold.

good luck.

 

[wan e46]

if gasket leaking..its no option bro..must need to replace it..before something major happen

other wise..u must top up coolant on spare tank when the check lite coming up

this just my 1 cent idea

maybe sifu2 can help

thanks

 

[Iceduke]

if its internal, drain the radiator water and check for signs of oil stains in the water itself. Next remove ur dipstick and see the oil condition, if its the head gasket then some water may be mixing with the engine oil already.

Pray it isn;t mcshake chocolate flavour

All the best...cheers

 

[KNRaj]

Bro Jarance, Iceduke,

No loss of power & no white smoke. But i have sluggish pick up due to MAF.
All water hose & water pump already replaced...

Oh God, i checked and found choc color @ dipstick & under oil filler cap...

is it head gasket leaK? water & oil mixing already right?

what to do now pls help?

 

[tropos_net]

bro, if yr engine oil color is like nescafe susu, then engine has to be top overhauled at least. this one must be due to overheating before so the head must be removed asap. also the water content in the oil is no-no because it will start to rust other internal component ie camshaft, crank etc

 

[Iceduke]

Bro Jarance, Iceduke,

No loss of power & no white smoke. But i have sluggish pick up due to MAF.
All water hose & water pump already replaced...

Oh God, i checked and found choc color @ dipstick & under oil filler cap...

is it head gasket leaK? water & oil mixing already right?

what to do now pls help?

sorry to hear...this means ur head gasket has kaput....only choice is to overhaul and skim the head. Hope the damage isnt severe....

 

[KNRaj]

exactly bro... i feel it is still at the beginning of damage.
Because most of the oil is still original color, only a small particle water mix is seen at the edge of the dipstick
then the car never overheated, immediately after low water warning, i stop & topup. power & engine sound is always normal...
So, if there is no damage to head, can we just replace gaskets & other cosumables without doing overhaul?

 

[Iceduke]

Yup u can but need to flush the engine or change oil few times...

 

[anaksarawak]

exactly bro... i feel it is still at the beginning of damage.
Because most of the oil is still original color, only a small particle water mix is seen at the edge of the dipstick
then the car never overheated, immediately after low water warning, i stop & topup. power & engine sound is always normal...
So, if there is no damage to head, can we just replace gaskets & other cosumables without doing overhaul?

Sorry to hear bro.. Best is to fix it ya otherwise you cant enjoy your car to the fullest. M43 are easy and cheap to repair. Shouldn't cost above RM1600 I think

 

[KNRaj]

thanks bro... do you know a place who can do th repair within RM1600?