Radiator lower hose change

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e24nut
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Radiator lower hose change

Post by e24nut »

Hi the lower radiator hose on my 89 e24 has become perished and requires replacement. Is there any dos and don'ts on this job. Does the cooling system need to be completely drained or can I remove the hose and top up the system ensuring no airlocks? I have done this successfully on other cars but though it wise to ask the forum before leaping in. We all know our e24s can be quirky beasts at times.

Thanks
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Jubilados
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by Jubilados »

You could just take the bottom hose off, put the new hose on, and refill.
But, it’s probably a little less messy to drain the radiator from the bottom drain plug first.
Our E24s have quirks, but the radiator and upper and lower hoses are “regular car” things.
e24nut
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by e24nut »

Thanks for that. Much appreciated advice.
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KINGJOHN808
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by KINGJOHN808 »

Aloha.

Just want to add, check the fitment of the hose too. Not so much where it connects to the thermostat housing (top) to the radiator (bottom), but where it comes REALLY close to the fan belt pulley.

I just installed mine last night which was pretty straight forward until I realized that the hose was resting on the pulley. I could see where the hose I had replaced while not burned through, had indeed been touching/rubbing on the pulley.

To remedy the problem, had to “clock” or twist the host (didn’t kink), then tighten the hose clamp. Took several attempts but got it installed. It’s about 1/4” inch or less between the pulley and the hose. I’m just going to keep an eye on it during maintenance.

It’s still close for my comfort level, but like you mentioned, E24’s have their distinctive “quirks”.
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by GRNSHRK »

I also wanted to add something to this discussion :-"

You will still need to bleed the system of any trapped air as well :-?

The bleeder screw is up by the T'stat housing [-o<

It helps to have the car pointed slightly uphill if possible, and with the engine running, open the screw to allow any trapped air to escape. Some coolant will come out as well, so plan for catching or absorbing that with a rag :-k
:mrgreen:
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e24nut
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by e24nut »

Handy tip Bobbo

Many thanks for your reply

David
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Sbeaud
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by Sbeaud »

Great tip. Any thoughts on where it is on a S38 engine? I see something on this earlier photo above and to the left of intake #1. Is that it?

Thanks

Scott
1988 BMW M6 Engine - Intake Off.jpg
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by Slownrusty »

Scott - On the M88 / S38, the bleeder nipple is integrated (or cast) into the T-stat housing and will drain back to the expansion tank.

I recommend jacking the nose of the car nice and high with the engine running until the t-stat opens and the air will find its way to the high point and the system will burp itself.
Thermostat Housing After 2.JPG
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86_6series
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by 86_6series »

Item #2 might be missing. It keeps the hose from touching the pulley.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_0690
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olympia57
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by olympia57 »

86_6series wrote: Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:39 am Item #2 might be missing. It keeps the hose from touching the pulley.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_0690
And this is what you'll get if item number two is missing or not positioned correctly ......
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Sbeaud
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by Sbeaud »

Thanks Yasin for the M88/S38 feedback. Seems like you can just take the cap off of the coolant reservoir to accomplish this?

Scott
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Slownrusty
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by Slownrusty »

Sbeaud wrote: Mon Jun 13, 2022 6:41 pm Thanks Yasin for the M88/S38 feedback. Seems like you can just take the cap off of the coolant reservoir to accomplish this?

Scott
101% correct!
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e24nut
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by e24nut »

Thanks all very good advice - one other question. Of course no radiator cap on an e24. Once the radiator is drained radiator hose replaced and plug replaced, Is the coolant refilled via the reservoir tank with engine running and then burped as per instructions below?

Great advice and very useful thanks all

David
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86_6series
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by 86_6series »

Yes, filled through the overflow tank without engine running.
Then start engine, once temp comes up watch level and burp.
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e24nut
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Re: Radiator lower hose change

Post by e24nut »

Great thanks for the tip gotta love bigcoupe forums

David
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