[Salzamani]

Hey guys! I blew The upper radiator hose last week the one that is on the right side of the engine just above the alternator. Found a replacement hose and got her all fixed up but I’ve noticed the engine has now developed a high pitch chirping and whining sound when the engine is cold. A sound that definitely didn’t exists before the hose blew. I can hear it as I’m driving as well. The sound seems to last for a couple of miles and then eventually goes away. I’m really hoping some of that coolant that got all over that side of the engine didn’t cause a problem for the alternator bearing or anything worse. Maybe it’s just the belt after getting coolant on it. What do you guys think? Has anyone else heard of this kind sound right after blowing a hose? Should I use a belt dressing to rule out the noise coming form a belt? Is it even safe to use belt dressings on these engines?

[type-dRew]

put a new serp belt kit on the car, coolant is terrible for belts and pulleys. last thing you want is that thing shredding.

i had the same issue, but not from a coolant leak. it was just a chirp intermittently, belt looked fine. put a new kit on, all is well

its not 1964, we dont use v belts, do not put belt dressing on your car

[Salzamani]

Your help is appreciated

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by type-dRew

put a new serp belt kit on the car, coolant is terrible for belts and pulleys. last thing you want is that thing shredding.

i had the same issue, but not from a coolant leak. it was just a chirp intermittently, belt looked fine. put a new kit on, all is well

its not 1964, we dont use v belts, do not put belt dressing on your car

Oh man! Thank you so much for your response. Is this a difficult DYI? So by kit do you mean everything that is listed here?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11287628652kt

Do you like this brand in particular? I already have a torch socket set that I bought a while back when I first got this car. Will that suffice or is it mandatory to have this tool?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/ser...680d-gew-3680d

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/ser...uring-cta-a875

Any other specialty too that I would need to do the job?

[type-dRew]

Your links arent working, but the kit i used was the continental kit from FCP and id recommend it yes.

Basic hand tools but you do need to be decently versed in taking the car apart, fan has to come out and if youre an automatic trans, that can be tricky because of the trans cooler.

Id take it to a specialist if you arent confident, but there are plenty of how tos on youtube

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by type-dRew

Your links arent working, but the kit i used was the continental kit from FCP and id recommend it yes.

Basic hand tools but you do need to be decently versed in taking the car apart, fan has to come out and if youre an automatic trans, that can be tricky because of the trans cooler.

Id take it to a specialist if you arent confident, but there are plenty of how tos on youtube

I have done the walnut blasting on the intakes

Oil filter housing gasket, oil cooler housing gasket, valve cover gasket a couple of hoses.

and recently the front an rear Struts/shocks and springs.

So I’m not too bad but I have heard of these belts getting sucked into the crank case and blowing the engines so I’m definitely not over confidant either.

So no need for special serpentine special tool sets? How long did it take you to do the job?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Salzamani

Hey guys! I blew The upper radiator hose last week the one that is on the right side of the engine just above the alternator. Found a replacement hose and got her all fixed up but I’ve noticed the engine has now developed a high pitch chirping and whining sound when the engine is cold. A sound that definitely didn’t exists before the hose blew. I can hear it as I’m driving as well. The sound seems to last for a couple of miles and then eventually goes away. I’m really hoping some of that coolant that got all over that side of the engine didn’t cause a problem for the alternator bearing or anything worse. Maybe it’s just the belt after getting coolant on it. What do you guys think? Has anyone else heard of this kind sound right after blowing a hose? Should I use a belt dressing to rule out the noise coming form a belt? Is it even safe to use belt dressings on these engines?

That's your belt. If you are not sure of the age of the belt & pulleys, I'd change them. You can get a kit on FCP Euro for $125.00 w/ a lifetime warranty.

Coolant will accelerate the deterioration of rubber components. It's best to degrease the engine or at the very least spray some simple green on it & hose it down.

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

That's your belt. If you are not sure of the age of the belt & pulleys, I'd change them. You can get a kit on FCP Euro for $125.00 w/ a lifetime warranty.

Coolant will accelerate the deterioration of rubber components. It's best to degrease the engine or at the very least spray some simple green on it & hose it down.

Yeah FCP is where I buy everything. Thanks for your response by the way. So are you suggesting I degrease the front of the engine first? Do you think it’s possible that the noise will go away with the existing belt just after the degreasing? Is a self serve car wash ok or is that water pressure too high?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Salzamani

Yeah FCP is where I buy everything. Thanks for your response by the way. So are you suggesting I degrease the front of the engine first? Do you think it’s possible that the noise will go away with the existing belt just after the degreasing? Is a self serve car wash ok or is that water pressure too high?

Water pressure is probably too high.

The belts & pulleys should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how you use the car & your climate. Hot & Humid 24/7/365 = 60,000 miles

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Water pressure is probably too high.

The belts & pulleys should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how you use the car & your climate. Hot & Humid 24/7/365 = 60,000 miles

Ok so probably best to do it in this order?

Cover the alternator
Spray engine degreaser on front of a warm not hot engine
Rinse it down with garden hose
Change the belts and pulleys

Sound right to you?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Salzamani

Ok so probably best to do it in this order?

Cover the alternator
Spray engine degreaser on front of a warm not hot engine
Rinse it down with garden hose
Change the belts and pulleys

Sound right to you?

Or

You could use Brake Cleaner in a pinch.

Your process looks go to me

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Or

You could use Brake Cleaner in a pinch.

Your process looks go to me

Is it safe to start a N54 engine and move it a few feet while the serpentine belt is off? My plan is to remove everything in the garage and then move it to the front of my driveway on the asphalt to spray and rinse the front of the engine...

[kwatkins12]

Originally Posted by Salzamani

Is it safe to start a N54 engine and move it a few feet while the serpentine belt is off? My plan is to remove everything in the garage and then move it to the front of my driveway on the asphalt to spray and rinse the front of the engine...

You can start it to move it a few feet but if you don't want to could always put it in neutral and have someone help you roll it. Another set of hands is also helpful in getting the belt routed but the overall job is very easy

[Salzamani]

Originally Posted by kwatkins12

You can start it to move it a few feet but if you don't want to could always put it in neutral and have someone help you roll it. Another set of hands is also helpful in getting the belt routed but the overall job is very easy

Cool! Thanks for the guidance guys