Radiator neck problem

[bbancsov]

Ok guys, does anyone else have a problem with our POS radiator neck plastics breaking, this is the second radiator ive had do this. The plastic part that the hose goes onto cracks and breaks. Any tips on fixing it permanently, i can't afford a new one this week.

[Evil Spoonman]

This is a common and well known issue with BMW's OEM radiator. The only real fix is an all-aluminum one. You can purchase one from a supporting vendor for a reasonable price.

/thread

[bluptgm3]

How many miles on this car and radiator?

Check the engine and transmission mounts?

Either this is a high milage car or something is allowing the engine to move around and pull on the neck?

[SethuM]

yea mine is the same
im getting a new one this week for 150

[strad]

If you are asking whether you can fix your radiator neck, it's not a good idea, even if you can figure out a way to do it. Replace it.

All other things being equal, a radiator should last you at least 80k miles before replacement for the reason you're experiencing. You might check into radiator mounts, clips, engine mounts and clamp tightness (not too much) as possible reasons for early breakage.

I have not yet experienced this failure, but both E36s I've owned had new radiators at the time ownership began.

[bbancsov]

I hit a massive pothole that was unavoidable and i think it messed up my radiator mount, the driver side is really loose and i already fixed it once, seemed bulletproof. This is my second radiator and i just want to fix it temporarily for awhile

[Danwec]

You can press a piece of tailstock from a sink drain pipe into the neck.(hardware store) I can't remember the size, it's in a previous post of mine on here. It fits perfectly, just put some epoxy around it and press it in. It should reinforce it enough. I fixed a BROKEN neck this way about 10k ago and it's still fine. I'm assuming a neck that isn't broken to begin with should last for a very long time.

[325iklu]

Zionsville radiator

[bbancsov]

You can press a piece of tailstock from a sink drain pipe into the neck.(hardware store) I can't remember the size, it's in a previous post of mine on here. It fits perfectly, just put some epoxy around it and press it in. It should reinforce it enough. I fixed a BROKEN neck this way about 10k ago and it's still fine. I'm assuming a neck that isn't broken to begin with should last for a very long time.

I did this same exact thing but not even 1k ago, now it happened again im betting when i hit the massive pothole, that part broke off. I'll do it again though, i just need to fix it for a short period, thanks.

[freddybeemer100]

Kitchen sinks are 1 1/2" Bathroom sinks are 1 1/4"

JB Weld is good for I think 600 degrees F.

[SHARKBITEATTACK]

Go with a more flexible hose

[M3Alpine99]

You can replace with a behr off ebay for ~150.

Or get the mishimoto or whatever aluminum one. It fits perfect, works perfect and cheap.

[berkeleyEE]

Danwec should have given you the link to his write-up: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1114705&highlight=radiator+repair
.