To share a P38 radiator experience.

Littelwill · Feb 11, 2014

Ok so I've got a p38 DSE and noticed recently (about 2weeks ago) that my rad top hoses were rock solid and very hard to squeeze after a trip. Immediately I started thinking of the head gasket and all of the work and expense involved in replacing it. However .... After doing a search on this AMAZING site and reading a post regarding head gaskets and top hoses I managed to solve the problem. And I have are very own Wammers to thank for it. He mentioned that BMW had to recall a load of late 90s expansion tank lids as they were not releasing pressure and were causing the rad hoses to blow off. I removed my standard range rover lid and fitter one from a old for Sierra I have. I have just driven to Norfolk and on arrival I got out popped the bonnet and the hoses are firmish but not solid like before I could squeeze them with a little force and my rad felt hot/warm in all the right places!

Just thought I'd share this with you all it might help someone. I've taken a lot from this site and I'm trying to give back.

will

Datatek · Feb 11, 2014

Littelwill said:
Ok so I've got a p38 DSE and noticed recently (about 2weeks ago) that my rad top hoses were rock solid and very hard to squeeze after a trip. Immediately I started thinking of the head gasket and all of the work and expense involved in replacing it. However .... After doing a search on this AMAZING site and reading a post regarding head gaskets and top hoses I managed to solve the problem. And I have are very own Wammers to thank for it. He mentioned that BMW had to recall a load of late 90s expansion tank lids as they were not releasing pressure and were causing the rad hoses to blow off. I removed my standard range rover lid and fitter one from a old for Sierra I have. I have just driven to Norfolk and on arrival I got out popped the bonnet and the hoses are firmish but not solid like before I could squeeze them with a little force and my rad felt hot/warm in all the right places!

Just thought I'd share this with you all it might help someone. I've taken a lot from this site and I'm trying to give back.

will

But if the cap is not holding the correct pressure it will overheat at some point, probably in summer.

Druim · Feb 11, 2014

Littelwill said:
Ok so I've got a p38 DSE and noticed recently (about 2weeks ago) that my rad top hoses were rock solid and very hard to squeeze after a trip. Immediately I started thinking of the head gasket and all of the work and expense involved in replacing it. However .... After doing a search on this AMAZING site and reading a post regarding head gaskets and top hoses I managed to solve the problem. And I have are very own Wammers to thank for it. He mentioned that BMW had to recall a load of late 90s expansion tank lids as they were not releasing pressure and were causing the rad hoses to blow off. I removed my standard range rover lid and fitter one from a old for Sierra I have. I have just driven to Norfolk and on arrival I got out popped the bonnet and the hoses are firmish but not solid like before I could squeeze them with a little force and my rad felt hot/warm in all the right places!

Just thought I'd share this with you all it might help someone. I've taken a lot from this site and I'm trying to give back.

will

Good on you, hope it's right pressure rating, maybe try a new oem one

gfromleeds · Feb 11, 2014

Mmm interesting
Ive been struggling with this for a long time (pressurises but not overheat)
checked or replaced waterpump, rad, thermostat and had a "sniff test" on the expantion tank and all checks out ok
New cap for me in the morning
Wonder if the wifes mondeo one will fit (just to test of cause)

tomcat59alan · Feb 11, 2014

gfromleeds said:
Mmm interesting
Ive been struggling with this for a long time (pressurises but not overheat)
checked or replaced waterpump, rad, thermostat and had a "sniff test" on the expantion tank and all checks out ok
New cap for me in the morning
Wonder if the wifes mondeo one will fit (just to test of cause)

You leave the wife's cap alone, there's enough kids running around Leeds

Littelwill · Feb 12, 2014

Getting good responses Try it and let me know what you guys find. honestly worked for me and my temp was sat at half way between the blue and the red the whole way (1 hour 30mins) perfect!

Will

To share a P38 radiator experience.

Littelwill

Well-Known Member

Datatek

Well-Known Member

Druim

Well-Known Member

gfromleeds

Well-Known Member

tomcat59alan

Well-Known Member

Littelwill

Well-Known Member

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