Losing coolant at an alarming rate...

[Unregistered]

but nothing is leaking from the car, I just filled the coolant 2 days ago and its already telling me my coolant is low. I checked and it is really low, probably lost over 1/4 since filling it. Does anybody know what could be going on. Also the car tends to cut out on me when my A/C is on. Even when im moving! I was in traffic in 3rd gear and the car cut off! twice! its starting to scare me. Any insight would be appreciated. I have a '90 525i

[Mr Project]

Well, there are only so many places coolant can go... so if it's not leaking on the ground, and not leaking onto your carpeting....it's time to check the headgasket. Better get a compression/leakdown/exhaust analysis test quick, in case you haven't warped/cracked you head yet!

[Unregistered]

im gonna look into getting it tested, thanks

[iliveinabox]

i had a coolant problem. i haver a 92 525i and we put a new waterpump in a new thermostat and we plushed the whole system. turns out it was the radiator cap. i would lose alot of coolant also my a/c would shut off by itself sometimes also but it doesnt now

[winfred]

if it's pumping that much coolent you should be able to see it by looking at the spark plugs, the one that's getting the water will be cleaner then the others, through steam cleaning

[mike wong]

that solved coolant loss on my 733.
used a cap that said "140" on it (from 88 M5).
old cap said "100"

[Bill R.]

popoff and release the pressure to the outside dump tube is
1.00 bars.. or 14.5 psi... the 140 opened at 1.4 bars or 20.3 psi...
The newer e34's all have caps that open at 2.00 bars or 29.00 psi so the newer ones are already at a much higher pressure... Although I think that the redesigned recall caps release at a lower pressure than the 2 bars to keep the heater core from really letting go on a overheat...

that solved coolant loss on my 733.
used a cap that said "140" on it (from 88 M5).
old cap said "100"

[Paul in NZ]

because quite often the coolant loss only takes place when the system is up to full pressure...I had a hose that was split almost its whole circumference.Only by looking really carefully did i see brightly coloured(insert blue or green here) fluid trapped in some casting relief areas....Check all your hoses by squeezing em..if you hear any hissing or slurping sounds NOT from the expansion tank area,you have found your problem but it could be the water pump too.......

[Unregistered]

i had same problem and a pressure check by the local shop revealed a cracked head

[Unregistered]

Check your engine oil for coolant mixture (brown color). One way to find out if you have a cracked or blown head gasket. Good luck...