NEED HELP QUICK! Rad bleed screw broken

[Creeden]

so im stuck at school with half of my bleed screw. The plastic screw broke now straying fluid everywhere causing my car to overheat if i were to drive it. Any ideas on a quick solution to getting out the piece of plastic screw in there and a temp replacement to get me home?

[1996 328ti]

I can't think of anything except getting someone to drive you to a BMW dealer to replace it.

[Creeden]

ive read to heat up a flat head and stick it into the remaining screw. let cool and remove. maybe i can use an expansion nut to seal the valve until i get home?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Creeden

ive read to heat up a flat head and stick it into the remaining screw. let cool and remove. maybe i can use an expansion nut to seal the valve until i get home?

Sounds like you risk damaging the threads that way.

[Dumpy]

Same boat as you right now, I thankfully am not overheating. I'm going to be using a EZout or a left hand drill bit. If those fail, I'm drilling through the remaining part and flushing the system completely.

I can let you know what works if needed.

[lysergicsurfer]

This happened to me a couple months ago. I had to use an ez out to get it out. I overnighted a new plug from pelican parts. Make sure you flush your rad to make sure there isn't bits of plastic in it now. Just remove both main hoses, drain, and stick a hose in top hole for a while, then bottom. Make sure you bleed the system properly, and do not over tighten the plug. Over tightening the plug will ruin its seal and cause problems. If you need to drive the car asap, maybe a dealer near you will have some. They have rubber expandable plugs used for oil drain plugs... not sure if I would trust it, you dont have many options with this. You cannot drive without a plug. The system relies on pressure, without pressure the coolant wont circulate. And it will be catastrophic to your motor.

[Recon427]

This is why you should also spend $3.00 at autohausaz.com and get yourself a brass screw rather than the plastic one. Heck, if you wanted to be complete get the brass coolant drain bolt for the engine as well.

Very cheap and it will save you the headache later. Sorry to hear about your troubles. Since you are at school, have you tried the good old method of Duct Tape?

[1996 328ti]

Those bleeder screws should really be a maintenance item.
Whenever I have any work done with the cooling system, I replace them.

[Recon427]

Don't forget the Radiator cap. $10 and it should be replaced every coolant flush...if not every year.

[DataTraveler]

Originally Posted by Recon427

Don't forget the Radiator cap. $10 and it should be replaced every coolant flush...if not every year.

*makes a note to replace mine...