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Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:22 am
by Gordon
I noticed a leak from the underside of the expansion tank. After removing it to repair I notice an outlet on the underside which fits into a rubber grommet, which then protrudes from the underside of the tank holder frame. I can't figure out if this is supposed to connect to a pipe of some sort or if it is just some sort of drain. I've tried finding a diagram showing it but with no luck. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Gordon

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:53 am
by X5Sport
Level sensor? That fits underneath but can’t remember exactly where. Should be a ‘twist-fit’ into a sealing grommet.

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 10:00 am
by Gordon
No, I've already reconnected the level sensor. The problem is I've found loads of diagrams but they are all of different designs of tank, except the type I have.

Gordon

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:32 am
by X5Sport
If you haven’t already tried, have a look at RealOEM and see if there’s a clue there. It’s the BMW parts database. Use the last 7 of your VIN to pull up the right variant. Mine had a large 7.8L tank.

From memory it had a feed to the rear windscreen, one to the front windscreen and one to the headlight washer system but those were along the edges. Nothing else underneath other than the level sensor.

Leaks were either the pump/level sensor seals or a split seam.

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:47 am
by Gordon
Sorry, You've got the wrong tank. I'm talking about the Anti Freeze expansion tank to the right of the engine bay as you look at it. I've had the tank out and in the centre of the bottom there is some kind of short pipe which, when refitting, fits into a grommet in the bottom of the expansion tank holder.
The coolant seems to be coming from there. I thought that there me be another pipe from there to somewhere else but I cant see one.

Gordon

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:20 pm
by Gordon
Found the problem. A pressure test revealed that the tank is cracked. New one ordered.

Gordon

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 2:35 pm
by X5Sport
Doh :oops: :oops: I don’t know why I read ‘expansion’ as ‘screen wash! Sorry :oops:

We have seen lots of reports about the screen wash tank too, but not relevant to your issue.

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2022 5:42 pm
by marti
X5Sport wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 2:35 pm Doh :oops: :oops: I don’t know why I read ‘expansion’ as ‘screen wash! Sorry :oops:

We have seen lots of reports about the screen wash tank too, but not relevant to your issue.
Because the title of the thread is "Expansion tank Leak" :idunno:

Expansion Tank leak

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2022 6:05 pm
by X5Sport
Engineers have trouble reading ….. we’re better with pictures :P