There I was proceeding along the M5 at a steady 85 when my back window was obscured by a massive cloud of steam, ''check coolant level'' came up on dash and I pulled over to hard shoulder.
AA rescued me to Strensham Services and an AA mechanic had a look.
Car engine had been switched off for 90 mins so he tried to top up with water, but it poured out
at the back of the engine,
running out over the gearbox and exhaust.
So was rescued to my home, car as well.
Now I am 72 and am wondering if anyone has any ideas before tackling it.
Engine is a 4.4 petrol 2002 (M62.)
Lez
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waterleak
- lezmtaylor
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- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:25 pm
- Location: Gloucester
waterleak
2002. 4.4lpg,ledAE's,Xenons,paddleshift,compass mirror,inst rings,led int lights,rear camera,crystal tailights,eisenmann road exh,Schnitzer pedals,chrome indicators,colour co-ord headlamps & bonnet grilles,hualigim entertainment system.dash and rearcamera,comfort seats.hud,bull bars,engine instalube
Re: waterleak
I have had a couple of hoses let go on mine which has same lump as yours. This despite some vigilance and a preventative approach getting odd bits done as precaution when other work needed.
Last one I had was at back of engine block passenger side last year. I won't lie - local mechanic did it and partly due to me limping it to there as I didn't want to overheat the car by driving extra distance home.
I don't have part number to hand but apparently the job was a bit of a fiddle but made easier once the plastic panel was removed that sits across rear bulkhead below the filter and under the wipers. This gives far more access. Also consider using a flexi shaft socket so you can access and get purchase.
Unless itching to do this I would be tempted to let someone else have the fun and back pain
Please take note and get someone else involved
Last one I had was at back of engine block passenger side last year. I won't lie - local mechanic did it and partly due to me limping it to there as I didn't want to overheat the car by driving extra distance home.
I don't have part number to hand but apparently the job was a bit of a fiddle but made easier once the plastic panel was removed that sits across rear bulkhead below the filter and under the wipers. This gives far more access. Also consider using a flexi shaft socket so you can access and get purchase.
Unless itching to do this I would be tempted to let someone else have the fun and back pain


Please take note and get someone else involved

Last edited by AW8 on Sun Feb 01, 2015 9:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Gone - 2002 E53 X5 4.4i Sport (Pre Facelift) Owned 2006-2016.
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- lezmtaylor
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- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:25 pm
- Location: Gloucester
Re: waterleak
I don't really fancy doing it myself, but water pours out as fast as it is put in, so no chance of driving car to garage, so will remove the cover you suggested and have a look.
Had an idea it might be where you suggested, I'll wait till weather warms up a bit and have a go.
Many thanks for your info.
Lez
Had an idea it might be where you suggested, I'll wait till weather warms up a bit and have a go.
Many thanks for your info.
Lez
2002. 4.4lpg,ledAE's,Xenons,paddleshift,compass mirror,inst rings,led int lights,rear camera,crystal tailights,eisenmann road exh,Schnitzer pedals,chrome indicators,colour co-ord headlamps & bonnet grilles,hualigim entertainment system.dash and rearcamera,comfort seats.hud,bull bars,engine instalube
Re: waterleak
As AW8 said it will most likely be a hose. Mine did the same in the same place. They are a sod to get to, basically had to lie on top of the engine. If one hose has gone then change them all. I didn't and had to be recovered home a second time. The engines run a high coolant pressure
Re: waterleak
Online mechanic springs to mind - shouldn't need expert skill. Just get a price before agreeing he/she to commission the repair 

Gone - 2002 E53 X5 4.4i Sport (Pre Facelift) Owned 2006-2016.
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- lezmtaylor
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Re: waterleak
I think I will wait till it gets a bit warmer, am two thirds through fitting a new kitchen, so will wait till I finish it.
Lez
Lez
2002. 4.4lpg,ledAE's,Xenons,paddleshift,compass mirror,inst rings,led int lights,rear camera,crystal tailights,eisenmann road exh,Schnitzer pedals,chrome indicators,colour co-ord headlamps & bonnet grilles,hualigim entertainment system.dash and rearcamera,comfort seats.hud,bull bars,engine instalube
- lezmtaylor
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- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:25 pm
- Location: Gloucester
Re: waterleak
Well finally got round to having a play, took engine cover off, lpg pipework and panel at rear of engine (where wiper are).
Found a water pipe had detached from tee piece (fitted when lpg conversion was fitted), I was quite pissed off as the tee was tapered and how the hell the hose had stayed on for 9 years ??? , bought 2 more straight tees and replaced another that had been fitted with lpg conversion, also replaced vacuum hoses (reported on another post) filled up with coolant and off we go !!
well not quite as stopped after10 miles to have a cuppa at the garden centre, came back to car , water puddle had a look under bonnet and see coolant header tank leaking around seam.
Topped up, got home , ordered new tank and cap from ebay, then hose to top of tank removed and the plastic bit of pipe broke, getting well pissed off now.
get new hose from Cotswold (ordered 4pm, delivered next day ( midday)
NOW SORTED.
Lez
Onto ebay,
Found a water pipe had detached from tee piece (fitted when lpg conversion was fitted), I was quite pissed off as the tee was tapered and how the hell the hose had stayed on for 9 years ??? , bought 2 more straight tees and replaced another that had been fitted with lpg conversion, also replaced vacuum hoses (reported on another post) filled up with coolant and off we go !!
well not quite as stopped after10 miles to have a cuppa at the garden centre, came back to car , water puddle had a look under bonnet and see coolant header tank leaking around seam.
Topped up, got home , ordered new tank and cap from ebay, then hose to top of tank removed and the plastic bit of pipe broke, getting well pissed off now.
get new hose from Cotswold (ordered 4pm, delivered next day ( midday)
NOW SORTED.
Lez
Onto ebay,
2002. 4.4lpg,ledAE's,Xenons,paddleshift,compass mirror,inst rings,led int lights,rear camera,crystal tailights,eisenmann road exh,Schnitzer pedals,chrome indicators,colour co-ord headlamps & bonnet grilles,hualigim entertainment system.dash and rearcamera,comfort seats.hud,bull bars,engine instalube