Heating Near Coolant Tank

azngolf · Wed, Sep-01-2010, 02:54:47 PM

Hi All,

After a 20 minute commute this morning, i pulled into my work parking garage and turned my engine off. As i gathered my stuff from the passenger side, i noticed a bit of steam/vapor on the top side of the hood, right on top of the coolant tank. The steam/vapor/condensation is definitely coming from the engine bay. I can only assume its coming from the coolant tank area because that's where the steam/vapor is released from. This is new to me because I have never seen this before.

Recently, when I check my coolant level, I do notice that the Coolant tank tends to be warmer than usual. Even after a 6-8 hours of sitting in the garage, the coolant tank is warmer than other parts of the car. Is this normal? Does anyone have this issue? Thanks

mpower22 · Wed, Sep-01-2010, 06:02:24 PM

Maybe the humidity is greater right now in Cali, so you're getting more condensation. It sure is normal to get hot though. The coolant tank is not only used for reserve capacity, but also for expansion once the coolant is hot since liquid expands with heat. The hot coolant coming from the block heats it up. After the engine cools back down, some coolant is drawn back into the block from the tank.

azngolf · Wed, Sep-01-2010, 08:16:38 PM

thanks for the input. My concern is because the condensation appears on the top side of my hood. So, i shouldn't be too worried about this?

mpower22 · Wed, Sep-01-2010, 09:17:45 PM

Do you see the mist when the engine is hot or cold? If you're noticing it after the engine has already heated up, then yes we should look into that further. If you see it when the engine is cold, then there should be no issue. I know California is a pretty dry state. In MD it pretty humid, so we'll see dew on the car in the morning or evening after sunset.

Also, did you lift the hood to see if the condensation is on the underside of the hood as well?

azngolf · Thu, Sep-02-2010, 05:47:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpower22

Do you see the mist when the engine is hot or cold? If you're noticing it after the engine has already heated up, then yes we should look into that further. If you see it when the engine is cold, then there should be no issue. I know California is a pretty dry state. In MD it pretty humid, so we'll see dew on the car in the morning or evening after sunset.

Also, did you lift the hood to see if the condensation is on the underside of the hood as well?

I should have been more clear on the first post. I turned the engine off when i pulled into the parking garage after a 20 minute commute. After getting my bag from the passenger side, i noticed a bit of steam/vapor on the top side of the hood, right on top of the coolant tank. The steam/vapor/condensation is definitely caused by vapor or hot steam coming the engine bay. I can only assume its coming from the coolant tank area because that's where the steam/vapor is released from.

Has anyone noticed this with their car?

MPOWERD · Thu, Sep-02-2010, 07:29:55 AM

Its either the coolant tank or the hose. Our cars are known for developing cracks in the coolant tank. If you are past 60K miles the stealer recommends you replace it...

mpower22 · Thu, Sep-02-2010, 01:18:17 PM

Well said Bruce, I was about to say the same thing. The tank is known to crack and perhaps you have a small crack developing. You should be able to smell the odor of coolant when you lift up the hood, specifically near the tank. I think there's only two or three bolts holding it on if you want to do a quick inspection. Cracks usually develop around where the mounts are.

Also, check the recovery hose on top and the cap, as they should not be venting anything. You should hear a hissing sound when unscrewing the cap on a WARM engine, do not do this right after driving with a hot engine. Let me know what you find.

azngolf · Thu, Sep-02-2010, 02:49:34 PM

Thanks for the info guys. My car just hit the 55K mark, so i'll just replace the tank and hose as stated.

Do you have guys have the part numbers for the hose and tank?

mpower22 · Thu, Sep-02-2010, 03:32:54 PM

As a matter of fact I do have them saved. I have 80k on mine and still haven't changed it. You should check to see if you can isolate the leak. The hose that runs on top over the radiator is a bit pricey, around $80 because its considered a "pipe" not a hose.

17112283344 - Tank
17112229053 - Hose on top of tank
11537830713 - coolant tank to pipe (larger, lower hose)

mike99101 · Thu, May-19-2011, 06:19:45 PM

useful thread

Wed, Sep-01-2010, 02:54:47 PM	#1
azngolf Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2,062 Reputation: 0 Location: Sacramento	Heating Near Coolant Tank Hi All, After a 20 minute commute this morning, i pulled into my work parking garage and turned my engine off. As i gathered my stuff from the passenger side, i noticed a bit of steam/vapor on the top side of the hood, right on top of the coolant tank. The steam/vapor/condensation is definitely coming from the engine bay. I can only assume its coming from the coolant tank area because that's where the steam/vapor is released from. This is new to me because I have never seen this before. Recently, when I check my coolant level, I do notice that the Coolant tank tends to be warmer than usual. Even after a 6-8 hours of sitting in the garage, the coolant tank is warmer than other parts of the car. Is this normal? Does anyone have this issue? Thanks __________________ 03.5 SG: CURRENT MODS A little here and little there... Last edited by azngolf; Thu, Sep-02-2010 at 05:51:27 AM.

Wed, Sep-01-2010, 06:02:24 PM	#2
mpower22 10-Year Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Age: 31 Posts: 2,497 In the garage: '13 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 '09 TOYOTA RAV4 '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Maryland	Maybe the humidity is greater right now in Cali, so you're getting more condensation. It sure is normal to get hot though. The coolant tank is not only used for reserve capacity, but also for expansion once the coolant is hot since liquid expands with heat. The hot coolant coming from the block heats it up. After the engine cools back down, some coolant is drawn back into the block from the tank. __________________ ///M3 - Dream Car: Acquired 2003 M3Laguna Seca Blue/6MT/Black Leather Cloth Interior/Full [CSL] Exhaust/evolve-R Original Owner, Custom Built - PDC, Moonroof, Bi-xenons, Brushed Aluminum Trim, Bluetooth ULF European - Rotors (F&R), Bumper, Mirrors, Warning Triangle, Console, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher OE LED Conversion/Outer Ring Mod \| V1 Hardwired/Ashtray Display \| 3M 35% Tint \| Diamond S600s, JL 10W3v3, HD900/5

Wed, Sep-01-2010, 08:16:38 PM	#3
azngolf Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2,062 Reputation: 0 Location: Sacramento	thanks for the input. My concern is because the condensation appears on the top side of my hood. So, i shouldn't be too worried about this? __________________ 03.5 SG: CURRENT MODS A little here and little there...

Wed, Sep-01-2010, 09:17:45 PM	#4
mpower22 10-Year Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Age: 31 Posts: 2,497 In the garage: '13 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 '09 TOYOTA RAV4 '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Maryland	Do you see the mist when the engine is hot or cold? If you're noticing it after the engine has already heated up, then yes we should look into that further. If you see it when the engine is cold, then there should be no issue. I know California is a pretty dry state. In MD it pretty humid, so we'll see dew on the car in the morning or evening after sunset. Also, did you lift the hood to see if the condensation is on the underside of the hood as well? __________________ ///M3 - Dream Car: Acquired 2003 M3Laguna Seca Blue/6MT/Black Leather Cloth Interior/Full [CSL] Exhaust/evolve-R Original Owner, Custom Built - PDC, Moonroof, Bi-xenons, Brushed Aluminum Trim, Bluetooth ULF European - Rotors (F&R), Bumper, Mirrors, Warning Triangle, Console, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher OE LED Conversion/Outer Ring Mod \| V1 Hardwired/Ashtray Display \| 3M 35% Tint \| Diamond S600s, JL 10W3v3, HD900/5

Thu, Sep-02-2010, 07:29:55 AM	#6
MPOWERD Mod Hound! Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 10,724 In the garage: '03 BMW M3 Convertible Reputation: 0 Location: Texas	Its either the coolant tank or the hose. Our cars are known for developing cracks in the coolant tank. If you are past 60K miles the stealer recommends you replace it... __________________ 2003.5 e46 ///M 3 TiAg Cabriolet SMG II... <> CSL Carbon Fiber Intake w/MAF, Brembo Gran Turismo, Euro Headers & Cats, K&N 69, Radenergie Carbon Fiber Strutbar <> EAS Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills, Carbon Fiber Fender Grills, SMG Carbon Fiber Paddles, Vorsteiner 2 Sided CF VCSL Boot <> EAS Slvr Carbon Fiber Interior Trim, Blk Carbon Fiber SMG Dome, Carbon Fiber Console, & Blk/Slvr Steering Wheel Trim <> EAS Carbon Fiber Engine Bay, Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber Valve Cover, RPI Intake Scoops, CarPC w/Nav/MP3/HD Radio/TV <> Eisenmann Race Exhaust, Supersprint X-Pipe with Resonator, Ekarbon 1/2 Carbon Fiber Diffuser, DEPO Smoked Corners <> 19x8.5 19x9.5 VMR V710s in HyperSilver, Painted Corner Reflectors, EAS Carbon Fiber Emblems, Carbon Fiber Hood Vent <> Slvr CF Pedals, OEM 2-Tone Hardtop, Windscreen, & Alarm, 6K Headlights & HID Fogs, Blk Carbon Fiber Headlight Trim

Thu, Sep-02-2010, 01:18:17 PM	#7
mpower22 10-Year Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Age: 31 Posts: 2,497 In the garage: '13 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 '09 TOYOTA RAV4 '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Maryland	Well said Bruce, I was about to say the same thing. The tank is known to crack and perhaps you have a small crack developing. You should be able to smell the odor of coolant when you lift up the hood, specifically near the tank. I think there's only two or three bolts holding it on if you want to do a quick inspection. Cracks usually develop around where the mounts are. Also, check the recovery hose on top and the cap, as they should not be venting anything. You should hear a hissing sound when unscrewing the cap on a WARM engine, do not do this right after driving with a hot engine. Let me know what you find. __________________ ///M3 - Dream Car: Acquired 2003 M3Laguna Seca Blue/6MT/Black Leather Cloth Interior/Full [CSL] Exhaust/evolve-R Original Owner, Custom Built - PDC, Moonroof, Bi-xenons, Brushed Aluminum Trim, Bluetooth ULF European - Rotors (F&R), Bumper, Mirrors, Warning Triangle, Console, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher OE LED Conversion/Outer Ring Mod \| V1 Hardwired/Ashtray Display \| 3M 35% Tint \| Diamond S600s, JL 10W3v3, HD900/5

Thu, Sep-02-2010, 02:49:34 PM	#8
azngolf Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2,062 Reputation: 0 Location: Sacramento	Thanks for the info guys. My car just hit the 55K mark, so i'll just replace the tank and hose as stated. Do you have guys have the part numbers for the hose and tank? __________________ 03.5 SG: CURRENT MODS A little here and little there...

Thu, Sep-02-2010, 03:32:54 PM	#9
mpower22 10-Year Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Age: 31 Posts: 2,497 In the garage: '13 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 '09 TOYOTA RAV4 '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Maryland	As a matter of fact I do have them saved. I have 80k on mine and still haven't changed it. You should check to see if you can isolate the leak. The hose that runs on top over the radiator is a bit pricey, around $80 because its considered a "pipe" not a hose. 17112283344 - Tank 17112229053 - Hose on top of tank 11537830713 - coolant tank to pipe (larger, lower hose) __________________ ///M3 - Dream Car: Acquired 2003 M3Laguna Seca Blue/6MT/Black Leather Cloth Interior/Full [CSL] Exhaust/evolve-R Original Owner, Custom Built - PDC, Moonroof, Bi-xenons, Brushed Aluminum Trim, Bluetooth ULF European - Rotors (F&R), Bumper, Mirrors, Warning Triangle, Console, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher OE LED Conversion/Outer Ring Mod \| V1 Hardwired/Ashtray Display \| 3M 35% Tint \| Diamond S600s, JL 10W3v3, HD900/5

Thu, May-19-2011, 06:19:45 PM	#10
mike99101 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 651 In the garage: '01 BMW E46 M3 Reputation: 0	Re: Heating Near Coolant Tank useful thread

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