To share a P38 radiator experience.

Littelwill said:

Ok so I've got a p38 DSE and noticed recently (about 2weeks ago) that my rad top hoses were rock solid and very hard to squeeze after a trip. Immediately I started thinking of the head gasket and all of the work and expense involved in replacing it. However .... After doing a search on this AMAZING site and reading a post regarding head gaskets and top hoses I managed to solve the problem. And I have are very own Wammers to thank for it. He mentioned that BMW had to recall a load of late 90s expansion tank lids as they were not releasing pressure and were causing the rad hoses to blow off. I removed my standard range rover lid and fitter one from a old for Sierra I have. I have just driven to Norfolk and on arrival I got out popped the bonnet and the hoses are firmish but not solid like before I could squeeze them with a little force and my rad felt hot/warm in all the right places!


Just thought I'd share this with you all it might help someone. I've taken a lot from this site and I'm trying to give back.

will

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Littelwill said:

Ok so I've got a p38 DSE and noticed recently (about 2weeks ago) that my rad top hoses were rock solid and very hard to squeeze after a trip. Immediately I started thinking of the head gasket and all of the work and expense involved in replacing it. However .... After doing a search on this AMAZING site and reading a post regarding head gaskets and top hoses I managed to solve the problem. And I have are very own Wammers to thank for it. He mentioned that BMW had to recall a load of late 90s expansion tank lids as they were not releasing pressure and were causing the rad hoses to blow off. I removed my standard range rover lid and fitter one from a old for Sierra I have. I have just driven to Norfolk and on arrival I got out popped the bonnet and the hoses are firmish but not solid like before I could squeeze them with a little force and my rad felt hot/warm in all the right places!


Just thought I'd share this with you all it might help someone. I've taken a lot from this site and I'm trying to give back.

will

Click to expand...

gfromleeds said:

Mmm interesting
Ive been struggling with this for a long time (pressurises but not overheat)
checked or replaced waterpump, rad, thermostat and had a "sniff test" on the expantion tank and all checks out ok
New cap for me in the morning
Wonder if the wifes mondeo one will fit (just to test of cause)

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