Long time lurker first time post here. I've read thru countless DIY posts on coolant flushes and watched dozens of YT videos that I could walk thru the process in my head.
Then I finally went for it and attempred a coolant flush on my daughter's 2003 E46. I never could crack the engine block drain plug so I just flushed the system a couple times and drained thru radiator petcock valve until it was mostly distilled water coming out. I ran the engine and heater during the flush so that the water pump would force water/old coolant thru the system esp from the engine block.
When I saw that it was finally draining mostly distilled water I began to fill with premixed BMW coolant (1 gal or about 4L). I was planning to add 2L of pure coolant then top the rest (about 2L) with distilled water to try to get 50/50 mix as much as possible. I may have underestimated how much water was left in the block/system because it would not take any more than the first 4L of premixed coolant I put in. The system coolant capacity is 8.8L.
I bled the system anyway then drove it around till it reached operating temp. Now waiting for it to cool down. Im hoping coolant would have settled and then I can add more pure coolant to balance out 50/50 mix.
So did I screw up somewhere here and need to reflush the whole system again? At least Im finding no apparent coolant leaks.
Thanks for your help!
The block holds a lot of coolant. Not getting the block drain out prevents that coolant from draining. It sounds like you did a good job replacing the coolant. I would keep an eye on the coolant level for a week or so just to make sure that all of the air is out of the system.
Thanks Marco. After it cooled down last night the coolant level settled and I was able to add a little more coolant. I checked again this morning and while the coolant settled some more the level indicator is at max. So it sounds like the block holds about 45-50% of coolant? I'll have to remember that for next time around.
You’re welcome.
If you were adding premixed 50/50 coolant then you have a problem. You added 4L of premix so now your concentration is only 25% coolant. If you can't get the block drain plug out then you'll have to repeat your process and add a gallon of full strength coolant.
Bleed your cooling system http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1709482The ULTIMATE OEM Alarm/Keyless thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1792200
Thanks, Fly! I considered that. I wanted to use up the pre-mix before I cracked open a new bottle of coolant. Anyway, after the cool down I continued bleeding the system and added pure coolant until all of the air was out. I'll continue to check thru the week.
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