17 00 009 Checking cooling system for watertightness (N20, N26)

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Special tools required:

WARNING: Risk of scalding!
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.

Protective measures/rules of conduct:

Wear safety goggles
Wear protective gloves
Observe national/country-specific regulations

IMPORTANT: Risk of skidding due to coolant on the floor.
Danger of injury!

Catch and dispose of drained coolant in drip tray (1) and if necessary special tool 00 2 030 (universal hydraulic lifting equipment).

Recycling:

Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Fig 1: Identifying Drip Tray And Special Tool (00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure drop in cooling system:

Open the sealing cap on the coolant expansion tank. Mount special tool 17 0 101/17 0 113 from special tool set 17 0 100 .

GENERATE EXCESS PRESSURE and wait approx. 2 min.

Cooling system is impervious to watertightness if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.

Fig 2: Checking Pressure Drop In Cooling System Using Special Tool (17 0 101)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure relief valve in sealing cap:

NOTE: While the driving at high ambient temperatures, the design may cause the pressure relief valve in the sealing cap to open slightly and air together with dissolved coolant to escape. This coolant vapor condenses on the surface of the expansion tank and leaves toes when the vehicle has cooled down. These toes do not indicate whether the sealing cap is defective or not. When the vehicle has been parked up for an extended period of time, the residual escaping coolant can cause the pressure relief valve in the sealing cap to stick; therefore check the sealing cap again 2 to 3 times.
Replace the sealing cap only after you have checked three times and there is an incorrect opening pressure.

Checking pressure relief valve in sealing cap:

Screw sealing cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 114 from the special tool set 17 0 100 .

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 101; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare OPENING PRESSURE OF PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE .

Fig 3: Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Sealing Cap Using Special Tool (17 0 101)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.