Water Leak *UPDATED*

[mattsbmw]

Got a problem with the 325i, was driving to work this morning and the coolant light came on the check panel, stopped and there was only a small amount of coolant in the header tank, (was full yesterday and has covered around 40 miles).

It looks like water is coming from the engine somewhere in the front drivers side area. and spraying all over.

Any ideas what this could be?

[Brianmoooore]

Any ideas what this could be?

Not from here, no!
Put some water in it, run the engine to build up pressure, and see where it comes from.
A hose can develop a leak in the form of a very fine jet of water that is almost impossible to see, so move your hand around to try and intercept one.

[mattsbmw]

Ok will try that at the weekend, thanks

[mattsbmw]

Been out and had a look today and looking at the picture which is taken from drivers side looking across to passenger side, front of engine, the water appears to be running from the Cog in the right of the picture (sorry dont know the technical term for it!), in a small stream, any ideas what this is or how to check?




thanks

[geoffrey]

Sounds like it could be the water pump. They have an internal canal with an outlet so that when the water pump starts leaking internally it lets water out so that you know its fooked. There are quite a few hoses around the stat housing too so check all the hose clips are ok and hose condition etc. Like brain said, finding a water leak is easiest by investigating yourself. It's not rocket science, just run the engine and find exactly where the water is coming out, posting on here isn't really going to help you.

[mattsbmw]

My thought was the water pump too in that area, will try running it and seeing if it becomes more obvious

[Brianmoooore]

The only thing I'm certain of, is that the water is not coming from "the Cog" in the picture.
If it's running off of it, then it's also running or being sprayed onto it from somewhere else.
The water pump, a couple of hoses, and the steel pipe across the front of the engine are all in the area.
A closer examination is required.

[mattsbmw]

Thanks, not tried running it yet but the water is leaking out so will try and jack it up tomorrow and have a closer look

[Brianmoooore]

Are you saying that the coolant is leaking out with the engine cold, not running, and no pressure in the cooling system?

[mattsbmw]

Are you saying that the coolant is leaking out with the engine cold, not running, and no pressure in the cooling system?

Yes.

The car was last run monday parked up, then yesterday put some water in the header tank started running out from that area marked in the picture.

[Brianmoooore]

That excludes coolant being squirted half way across the engine bay, then!
Almost certainly will be the water pump.
Take hold of the radiator fan and move it from side to side. If the pulley with the belt on it moves around, then the pump is definitely dud.

[mattsbmw]

Thanks Brian, will check the fan later and then book into the garage.

thanks for your help much appreciated

[mattsbmw]

Also would it be safe to drive it about 5 miles like that or shoud i call the AA?

[Brianmoooore]

IF you have a working coolant level light, and a large water container, then it's safe to drive it.

[mattsbmw]

Yes i do have a working coolant level light, thats how i found the sudden loss of water, and i have plenty of bottles.

thanks for your help.

[mattsbmw]

That excludes coolant being squirted half way across the engine bay, then!
Almost certainly will be the water pump.
Take hold of the radiator fan and move it from side to side. If the pulley with the belt on it moves around, then the pump is definitely dud.

Went to the car this afternoon and there is lots of play in the fan and pulley, new water pump, cam belt and tensioner then !

Anything alse that needs replacing at the same time?

[Brianmoooore]

Good time to check the distributor cap and rotor arm, since they'll be off anyway.

[scootlife]

Hey matt , Are you ok for transport at the mo? Is Emma using hers if its snowing ? If you need another set of wheels then mines taxed now, so shout up if you need to use it ?

[scootlife]

..Also Sam325is had a genuine waterpump for sale for yours, was about £40 ish, not sure if hes still got it or not??? worth a try at that price..

[mattsbmw]

Thanks for the offer mate, i'm ok at the moment emma is walking as it is actually safer given the condition of the roads araound the lesiure centre! Going to ring Mark this morning and get a quote for it!

[scootlife]

Cool, but just ask if you need to. Dont be shy !!!

[mattsbmw]

Will do Rob,

Thanks Mate.

Ps Did Chelsea win?

[scootlife]

No 0-0 Draw... crap game and plenty of Booing at end of game.....

As it happens Scolaris been scked this afternoon.....