White Splatter In My Engine Bay
06-14-2009, 03:27 AM
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Originally Posted by luigi524td' post='911136' date='Jun 14 2009, 07:19 AM
+1 Coolant spray dries into a white residue and it doesn't take much! Check levels and get a pressure test so that you don't get a warning when it's too late!
Another easy technique I've used to detect leaks, clean the area up, let it dry, then 'dust' the hoses, joints and other likely leak areas with talcum powder. Let the engine idle for a while and look for teltale signs of leakage - the white talc will track even the tiniest. Just don't race the engine or it'll blow off.
Another easy technique I've used to detect leaks, clean the area up, let it dry, then 'dust' the hoses, joints and other likely leak areas with talcum powder. Let the engine idle for a while and look for teltale signs of leakage - the white talc will track even the tiniest. Just don't race the engine or it'll blow off.
+2 It's def coolant. I had the same problem and it turned out the expansion tank hose was no good. I think it runs on top of the radiator. On that side around where the air box is a connection. You may have a leak at the hose connection point.
06-14-2009, 03:49 AM
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Originally Posted by bimmer722' post='911141' date='Jun 14 2009, 11:27 AM
+2 It's def coolant. I had the same problem and it turned out the expansion tank hose was no good. I think it runs on top of the radiator. On that side around where the air box is a connection. You may have a leak at the hose connection point.
06-14-2009, 06:24 AM
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Remove all of the white deposits with water and mild soap. See if it returns. If it does, then it is a coolant leak. If it does not, then it was the fluid you used when you "detailed" your engine a few weeks back.
06-14-2009, 08:16 AM
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I had the same issue with my old E36 and the dealer traced it back to the water pump. They replaced the water pump, cleaned the bay and never saw the stuff again. Hope this helps.
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