Mounting Bracket for Expansion Tank Install

noc0de · 11-14-2012, 09:00 PM

I couldn't find anything in the search.

I am replacing my radiator. I did the rest of the cooling system less than 10k ago. I have the old radiator out, and took the mounting bracket for the expansion tank off it. I am trying to install it onto the new Behr radiator.

There are two screws, and the male "nub" with o-ring that plugs into the female on the radiator. I replaced the o-ring. Is it supposed to pop in or do the screws just hold it tight? I've tried to press it in but it doesn't lock in.

If my description doesn't make sense I'll upload pictures. I just want to make sure that I don't have leaks!

SekouDATduD3 · 11-15-2012, 05:27 PM

screws will secure it

Mango · 11-15-2012, 05:32 PM

Just curious. What happened to the old radiator? And looking back now, would you have replaced it during the coolant refresh 10k ago?

noc0de · 11-16-2012, 01:48 AM

SekouDATduD3, thanks. I ended up just screwing it and installed it earlier today and so far I'm not seeing any leaks. It really seemed as if it should pop into place, but apparently not.

Mango, I had a slow leak which I think was coming from the bottom of the radiator where the plastic meets metal on the drivers side. Looking back, yes I would have replaced it.

I understand the cooling system, but I do think 60k is a little early to replace everything. I'm sure that people have had instances, but generally I feel like most of the parts should last 80-90k at a minimum, but that's just my opinion!

It's just a hunch, but because of the design of the float gauge in the expansion tank, I believe that a lot of people are overfilling their systems causing them to fail prematurely.

Mango · 11-16-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noc0de

SekouDATduD3, thanks. I ended up just screwing it and installed it earlier today and so far I'm not seeing any leaks. It really seemed as if it should pop into place, but apparently not.

Mango, I had a slow leak which I think was coming from the bottom of the radiator where the plastic meets metal on the drivers side. Looking back, yes I would have replaced it.

I understand the cooling system, but I do think 60k is a little early to replace everything. I'm sure that people have had instances, but generally I feel like most of the parts should last 80-90k at a minimum, but that's just my opinion!

It's just a hunch, but because of the design of the float gauge in the expansion tank, I believe that a lot of people are overfilling their systems causing them to fail prematurely.

I agree 80-90k is fine. I just say 60-75 as an extra preventive measure. The expansion tanks, in my experience, do not like the 90,000 mile mark at all. So by pushing it to 90, you're really pushing it, IMO.

330iPilot · 11-16-2012, 06:03 PM

I got 115,000 out of my expansion tank before it failed. So there! Nyah!

SekouDATduD3 · 11-16-2012, 06:35 PM

no problem i just finished my coolant rebuild a month ago.

What brand of expansion tank you using?

11-14-2012, 09:00 PM	#1
noc0de Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: LaGrange, OH Posts: 8 My Ride: 2004 325i View My Garage	Mounting Bracket for Expansion Tank Install I couldn't find anything in the search. I am replacing my radiator. I did the rest of the cooling system less than 10k ago. I have the old radiator out, and took the mounting bracket for the expansion tank off it. I am trying to install it onto the new Behr radiator. There are two screws, and the male "nub" with o-ring that plugs into the female on the radiator. I replaced the o-ring. Is it supposed to pop in or do the screws just hold it tight? I've tried to press it in but it doesn't lock in. If my description doesn't make sense I'll upload pictures. I just want to make sure that I don't have leaks!

11-15-2012, 05:32 PM	#3
Mango Grand Superpatriot Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,539 My Ride: M54B30 View My Garage	Just curious. What happened to the old radiator? And looking back now, would you have replaced it during the coolant refresh 10k ago? __________________ Cooling \| Maintenance \| Vacuum \| Suspension \| Costs "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." -Steve Jobs

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11-15-2012, 05:27 PM	#2
SekouDATduD3 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Nashville Posts: 25 My Ride: 330Ci ZSP View My Garage	screws will secure it

11-16-2012, 01:48 AM	#4
noc0de Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: LaGrange, OH Posts: 8 My Ride: 2004 325i View My Garage	SekouDATduD3, thanks. I ended up just screwing it and installed it earlier today and so far I'm not seeing any leaks. It really seemed as if it should pop into place, but apparently not. Mango, I had a slow leak which I think was coming from the bottom of the radiator where the plastic meets metal on the drivers side. Looking back, yes I would have replaced it. I understand the cooling system, but I do think 60k is a little early to replace everything. I'm sure that people have had instances, but generally I feel like most of the parts should last 80-90k at a minimum, but that's just my opinion! It's just a hunch, but because of the design of the float gauge in the expansion tank, I believe that a lot of people are overfilling their systems causing them to fail prematurely.

11-16-2012, 06:03 PM	#6
330iPilot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 526 My Ride: Titanium Silver 330i View My Garage	I got 115,000 out of my expansion tank before it failed. So there! Nyah!

11-16-2012, 06:35 PM	#7
SekouDATduD3 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Nashville Posts: 25 My Ride: 330Ci ZSP View My Garage	no problem i just finished my coolant rebuild a month ago. What brand of expansion tank you using?