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      04-16-2023, 06:19 PM   #67
sonofsun
Private First Class
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Drives: '11 328i X-drive E90 N51 PK53
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Texas

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Replaced vent line and Mickey Mouse flange

132,900 miles

Radiator vent line burst and leaked coolant with low coolant lamp when wife took it to work. Added like 0.4 gallons of coolant mix and drove the car on the highway back home while watching coolant temperature and it didn't exceed 104 deg C.

Purchased a replacement vent line, replaced the mickey mouse flange (which I bought over a year back) and the mickey mouse flange just snapped on the way out of the engine (lucky that it didn't get stuck inside). Also removed the serpentine belt to clean it off coolant. Followed the DIY to use a hose locking plier and crushed the old plastic flange out. Installed the Aluminum one from FCP Euro and at first tightening the new bolts didn't seat the flange flush.

Gave it a good push with two hands (applied silicone to everything prior to assembly) and it became flush. Torqued the bolts, installed the new vent line and vented the coolant (added a good 3/4 of a gallon). Added a tad bit more and started the engine and warmed it up. Then let it cool for 2 hours and checked coolant level and took it for spin. So far no surprises and coolant temperature remains between 96 and 99 deg C on the highway.

Thanks all for all the info and guidance.
Appreciate 3