Cooling system upkeep - United Bimmer Community

**notop4me** · 06-30-2006, 12:17 AM

I think I'm thinking this through correctly, but I'll toss it out for comments from the "experts". I'm replacing my dying auxillary fan...making hellacious racket when activated by A/C. Got the fan and now I'm taking out the radiator to put it in...wtf German engineering? Anyway, my car has about 89k mi. Water pump, timing belt were changed at 50k. I was thinking of puttiing in new radiator when I do new water pump, tb, & thermostat at 100k, and using the fancy "no water" formula anti-freeze for the new radiator and not having to flush cooling system for next 50k mi. Since I've got to flush the cooling system now at 89k, should I just go ahead and "do it all" now instead of waiting another 10k mi. In the last 10k mi., I've had new mech. fan, fan clutch, belts, hoses, fan resistor.
I'm leaning towards just flush now and doing major maintenance at 100k.
Also, what do you think of the claims for the "no water" antifreeze: extreme operating temps and 500,000 mi. service. Anyone use this stuff? It costs about $29/gal. at Bavauto. If it keeps me from having to change coolant every couple of years, I'm for it. Also, I've never used the "Water Wetter" product. Do you?

Ken

**c1apton** · 06-30-2006, 05:18 AM

I'd just do all the cooling system stuff now, while you have it all apart. (Then you won't have to do cooling flush for another 2 years)
As far as "lifetime coolant" - I have a hard time believing any fluid is lifetime. Besides if a hose ever blows - so much for lifetime eh? RE: water wetter - that's a good product (many here will confirm that) Just an added note - when putting your cooling system back together add a bottle of "Bars Leaks" - for insurance. It's a WP lube, and it'll add a little extra protection for gaskets, seals & possible weak links against leaking.

**notop4me** · 06-30-2006, 08:03 AM

"WP"? Is this Bar's Leaks a product you easily find at auto supply stores or do you have to order online?

**c1apton** · 06-30-2006, 01:35 PM

WP = Water pump (sorry) Yea you can find bars leak at alot of parts stores. Make sure you buy the brand name Bars Leaks - it's the best, not one these temporary "fix-it's in a can".( In Texas - Pep Boys or Checker carry it)

**notop4me** · 06-30-2006, 09:47 PM

Thanks, Clapton. I found the Bar's Leaks at the local auto supply. I had no idea that stuff has been around since the 1940's...but then so has the store owner. Radiator, WP, thermostat, timing belt, water wetter are all on the way.

I'm assuming that the aux fan R&R is a hugh PITA. This will make it worth it.

Ken