major maintenance == ARRRGGGHH! (archive)

Big work on the 528e. Friday night/saturday morning I replaced the timing belt/tensioner, water pump, every single coolant hose, belts, thermostat, front brake rotors, and changed the oil. Took about 6hrs. Started right back up and ran great. Much patting of self on back.

Drove it about 5 miles and left it idling in driveway. A few minutes (less than 10) later I wandered by the front door. HOLY S#$*&!!! Steam pouring out from under the hood.
The stupid upper radiator neck broke. I thought I was so careful! D'oh! I guess I overtightened the clamp.

I think everything's OK. It was only idling and nothing was too hot under the hood (we once overheated our winter beater so badly that the distributer cap melted!). I reattached the hose enough to fill with water and get the car out of the driveway. No uglier noises than usual (it sounds *exactly* like a diesel when cold). I guess I'll find out when I get the new radiator. At least used eta engines are cheap.

Lesson learned: old plastic tank radiators really are fragile.

Mike

PS: Two of our 4 cars are now laid up waiting for parts. I hate that.

My 528e

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Re: major maintenance == ARRRGGGHH! Chris Graff 16:55 9/30/2001 (0)

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