another plastic rad bites the dust

dcramer · 12-06-2011, 01:52 PM

Just a warning for everyone with old rads. These things just go without warning.

Dave

radi0activem · 12-06-2011, 03:20 PM

Yupper. Mine went in the spring without warning. Then my fan clutch seized and sent fan pieces through the brand new rad so I had to get another one

dcramer · 12-06-2011, 03:21 PM

hmmm I can hardly wait....

noodles101 · 12-06-2011, 03:25 PM

so whats ur solution? aluminum rad or new OEM rad

dcramer · 12-06-2011, 03:29 PM

aluminum rads for 530's are not as available as for e36's. Just getting an OEM rad. The car is 10 years old now, if it lasts another 10 I'll be more than happy.

Dave

noodles101 · 12-06-2011, 03:36 PM

yeah i recently got a new rad too due to accident..lol

i better check my fan clutch tho..lol

dcramer · 12-07-2011, 04:48 PM

autopartsway delivered it the next day (today). Just put it in, never ceases to amaze me though what other people do. PO had pure antifreeze in it.

--dc--

noodles101 · 12-07-2011, 04:51 PM

is anyone running electric fan instead of fan clutch?? how much will that set up run me .. ball park range..

Axxe · 12-07-2011, 09:33 PM

^it cost me $120 for the fan and relay kit, and about an hour to install and hook it up. Way better than engine driven fan.

Ceeker · 12-07-2011, 10:14 PM

Unfortunately the plastic rads are made from that biodegradable composite material. So over time, temp extremes - "plastic" tanks get brittle and crack, or the neck of the tank breaks off like it did for an e30 I was working on. However, depending on the break, age etc. You can fix it. I took an aluminum pipe, cut to desired length slipped it in with some Gorilla expoxy; then put the broken piece back on and clamped it. Came out better, stronger and I can re-use it. A new rad is in the range of 200-400 depending on model and who makes it. Oem is the the way to go...but I'm sure they get quite pricey.

Axxe · 12-08-2011, 04:32 PM

^a mishimoto is around $300 and no reliance on plastic or gorilla epoxy. Plus it comes with lifetime warranty.

dcramer · 12-08-2011, 04:32 PM

I don't think they are available for 5 series at that price.

Dave

MaxVQ · 12-08-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcramer

aluminum rads for 530's are not as available as for e36's. Just getting an OEM rad. The car is 10 years old now, if it lasts another 10 I'll be more than happy.

Dave

Are you saying the car still had the original rad?

dcramer · 12-08-2011, 09:10 PM

it was certainly old, yes. No idea if it was original

MaxVQ · 12-10-2011, 07:38 PM

The date of manufacturer is on the left or right tank of the rad. (If you want to know)

It is a good idea to change the rad & expansion tank every 5 years. If the car slightly overheats, it warps the head, and pulls our the cylinder head bolts.

E39 are like Princesses, they demand a lot and don't take well to getting old.
My cooling system is 4 years old, and will be replaced next year...