Heater core replacement....SORTED.

Post Sat Nov 03, 2012 5:47 pm

I'm pretty sure my heater core needs replacement, what is the best way of going about this?
Is there a how to guide?

This must be why my heater doesn't heat up properly & I get a smell of hot coolant in the car.
Also noticed a leak on the passenger floormat.

By the way the touring has got 'dealer fitted air-con' still plumbed in behind the dash.

Any help will be appreciated...

Post Sun Nov 04, 2012 12:16 pm

OK I found the following thread, maybe this should be put into the Wiki.....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=98782

It looks like the valve attached to he heater core is the culprit. This is where the coolant leak is coming from, apparently these are a common failure.

Post Sun Nov 04, 2012 3:14 pm

As you've read, it's almost certainly the valve that's at fault, and a common cause of their failure is a coolant pressure cap that still hasn't been replaced under the safety recall sixteen years ago, so check that out.
Also check that the heater hoses are connected correctly under the bonnet. Hose from the back of the head to the lower bulkhead stub.

Post Sun Nov 04, 2012 3:48 pm

Cheers Brian

Hoses are all good, new cap & replacement valve will be fitted.

Post Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:12 pm

AFAIK, safety recall is still active, and if a replacement cap hasn't already been fitted (check by giving your VIN to a BMW dealer) you should get a shiny new one FOC. The majority of replacement caps have a yellow disc on their underside, and if you already have one of these, it shouldn't need changing again.

Post Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:54 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:AFAIK, safety recall is still active, and if a replacement cap hasn't already been fitted (check by giving your VIN to a BMW dealer) you should get a shiny new one FOC. The majority of replacement caps have a yellow disc on their underside, and if you already have one of these, it shouldn't need changing again.

Will check this shortly, cheers Brian...

Post Sat Nov 10, 2012 5:31 pm

Heaters now working as they should, changed the heater valve, drove the car, all good.
Will just need to check the levels, then put the trim back together.

Now to crack on with the next job on the 'to-do list'.