Re: uuuhhh sorry....90 735i 6 cyl (archive)

Scott,
First, I would not assume the anti freeze runnig down the back of the motor is from the head. There are heater hoses that run directly under the intake. I think there are two. I have had to replace them before because of water running down the block. The steam coming from the exhaust will have an antifreeze odor. Try smeeling it. You may want to get a compression test run on each cylinder. If there is blown head gasket, that should tell you. Another thing you may want to do is check the fault codes. If you have a Bentley Manual, the codes will be in there. If you ever over heated, that will tell you. Also, a temperature reading on the dash may not be accurate if the coolant is not at the level of sender unit. If you had to add a quart of antifreeze, bleed the system. Bleeder screw is at the top front end of the head located on the thermostat housing. Good luck. I have heard that there were some problems with head gaskets but I don't know if it was your year or not. Also, my experiences have been you will not fix the problem by retorqing the head bolts.
DavidG

Scott,
What year do you have, and what model.
DavidG

For the past month I have noticed a large amount of steam from my exhaust, but only at times....The temp gauge never went above 1/2 way (normal) The other day my wife was driving the car and noticed the steam and got a ck. engine lite on for a few seconds again no overheating. I added a quart of coolant and looked at all the spark plugs, they seem ok. I do find evidence of coolant running down the right side of the block at the very rear of it from the head. I realize its a long shot but what do any of you think the chances of re-torquing the head being successful at curing this. Or any other ideas or input? Respectfully, Scott

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