Coolant Leak

[quote:618d5ff1aa="Shawn Marchetti"]BMW
1998
318ti
145000
4cyc 1.9
We have a coolant leak which appears to be comming from the back of the engine. From looking underneath it is comming straight down and hitting the headers. However we can not find any leaking hoses. It was overheating so I turned on the heat to get some of it out of the car but no heat was comming from the vents. Just cold air. Any idea what this could be or where I should check for the leak? I have been reading and can only think of the heater coil? When the car is running antifreeze is pouring out from underneath and white smoke/steam is comming from the engine compartment.[/quote:618d5ff1aa]

Check where the leaking is coming from-could be a freeze plug/heater hose/heater core- etc.

When the car is running antifreeze is pouring out from underneath and white smoke/steam is comming from the engine compartment

Get it fix ASAP-you might end up ruining the engine.

Hi

I have had exactly the same problem the other day. I was out driving and noticed the coolant was overheating so i quickly turned on the heaters to max only to find no heat was coming out. I also had a smoky radiator and the coolant is leaking from somewhere.

I dont know what the problem is but did you ever find out what the problem was?

Joe

Cooling system diagnosis starts with pressure testing the system, fill with water and pressurize the system and look for the leak. If the heater core is the culprit, then the drain for the heater box is the place to look.

Pressure tested the motor and found out it was the radiator.

Also had a leaky thermostat.

Joe

excellent diagnostic Joe, repost if more assistance is required. Dr. Hagerty