The radiator rips, opens a 6" wide gap along the side seam of the
radiator which spews coolants inside the alternator and a fan
resistor. Then smoke is seen coming from the hood. Closer
inspection finds the resistor terminal oxidize itself away from the
coolants. The alternator then shorted itself out and was no good.
Maybe, if only the radiator had a cylinder shape like a Pepsi bottle.

Thanks,
Burt

"Richard Sperry" > wrote in message ...
> Ok let's get this straight. The inlet neck of the radiator does fail with
> age, it might also seem related to over-tightening of the clamp. The plastic
> water pump in question was superceded in production in 10/95 by a metal
> impeller, which was further updated with another 'better plastic" one.
> Either way a 97 is not affected.
>
> The radiator cap was part of a recall on the E36 I don't know the years, but
> you can look it up.
>
> What electronics were ruined by coolant? I would think that unless the
> coolant sprayed into the component, it would be hard to ruin anything...
>
>
>
> "Karl Winkler" > wrote in message
> om...
> > "Burt Squareman" > wrote in message
> > news:<1097486658.qwjFQKwqe0JRgsZ9lff1eg@bubbanews> ...
> >> The plastic radiator explodes expelling coolants on the freeway.
> >> Temperature is past maximum for some time but was on normal
> >> before I set out for a drive. I stop and check under the hood
> >> and found an explosion aftermath of blue coolants. I check the
> >> side of the radiator and it looks like Niagara Falls when a jug of
> >> water is poured into the radiator.
> >>
> >> Today, I had the thermostat pot boiled and it won't open. I
> >> don't know how to check the radiator cap but I assume it's
> >> dead. Some electronics were also destroyed from the splashing
> >> coolants. I wish I knew why the radiator exploded. Was it the
> >> heat, the thermostat or the cap?
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >
> > Isn't this an E36 using a water pump with the plastic impeller? At
> > about 60K to 80K miles, the impeller is known to shatter, sending bits
> > of plastic into the radiator. Of course the car also overheats... And
> > considering the age of your '97, I'd guess the mileage is right in
> > that range. So if you have the radiator replaced, I'd suggest getting
> > the water pump replaced also.
> >
> > Karl Winkler
> > Lectrosonics, Inc.
> > http://www.lectrosonics.com
>
>