P38A P38 diesel DSE - leaking heater feed pipe on the engine block

Hi all,

Starter packed up again so it got removed and is being repaired over the weekend. However I found another problem that I didn't spot when I removed it last time . The opposite end coolant pipe (heater feed pipe) at the rear of the engine appears to be leaking.

I can't fix it just yet as it's parked roadside and I can't work in the gutter so once the starter motor is refitted and I move the car back onto my drive I'll get to it. I can't see the pipe as the same jubilee clip, paste and crap has been used to bodge the leak. See the lower photo.

Question: is the pipe the exact same as the front one that rotted? If it is then I can order another one from Turners. I can't see from the manuals only that there is a pipe.

Thanks in advance (as always)


This pipe



Jublilee clip and leaking coolant

I've done more searching and found one person with the same problem (RR.net). I'd hazard a guess that if the front pipe has rotted the rear one will have done as well, sooooooo I'm going to call Turners and have a chat about it. If they can't supply a replacement I've managed to find a local engineering firm so I'll take the Turners one and ask them to make a smaller diameter version of it as I don't have a lathe. Unless anyone out there who is retired wants a pipe project for some beer chits?

Bugger, I told the Enemy my old cylinder head would come in handy for something. She insisted Icleared the garage.Nice to be proved right for once. You could have had it FOC. Bit of heat and gentle persuading would have got the pipe out. I could have done that and posted it.

Bugger Ah well, thanks for the thoughts though!

Don't remember mine looking like that. That's seriously ****ty. has someone had the wrong anitfreeze mix in it?

Grrrrrr said:

Don't remember mine looking like that. That's seriously ****ty. has someone had the wrong anitfreeze mix in it?

Click to expand...

I'm seriously convinced they did. It's like they had either caustic soda or sulphuric acid for coolant. It's a proper mess.

Anyway I spoke with Turners, very friendly as well, they buy their heads and that other coolant pipe from AMC in Spain. I suggested that as the outlet pipe to the rad had rotted then it makes sense that the opposite heater feed pipe would also rot so maybe ask AMC to make a small batch of those as well. The lady said that they didn't think those other pipes would sell but they have all sold out! Unfortunately I just missed this batch of orders so it's either wait a month or two or find someone who will turn a new pipe.

I found a local engineering firm - he reckons around £10 for the tube. Should have it in a week as he has to order the tubing in first. I'll post pics later of the split in the pipe. Not sure whether it's corrosion or over tightening but there is a full length split down the pipe almost right to the block.

If what was in there before was a "seamed" tube, it would suggest the seam corroded away.
For liquid related stuff "seamless tube is the correct stuff, of course.

You could be right Dan. The new one won't be seamed, but my god BMW have put some **** on this engine. That's 2 pipes that should be threaded into the block that (on mine) are seamed mild steel that are interference fit - with no bleddy part number for replacement