Cooling System Contaminated With Oil (SI B17 02 16)

Publication date: 2022-09-01
Reference number: SI B17 02 16

COOLING SYSTEM CONTAMINATED WITH OIL

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): SI B17 02 16, Date of Issue: September 01, 2016

BMW:	All Models

SITUATION

Cooling system needs to be cleaned of oil or transmission fluid

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an approved method for cleaning a cooling system that has been contaminated by engine oil or transmission fluid.

The source of the oil or transmission fluid must be identified and corrected prior to performing this cleaning procedure.

Petroleum products in the cooling system can slowly degrade rubber components.

NOTE: Citric Acid Powder is intended to remove cooling system scale or hard water deposits and will not remove petroleum products such as engine oils or transmission fluids.

PROCEDURE

Drain all coolant from the cooling system (including draining the engine block).
Mix 50% water and 50% industrial cleaner and degreaser like Simple Green™ or Mix 75% water and 25% Shout™ or high efficiency liquid laundry detergent (low sudsing).
Properly bleed the system but only use water to top up during bleeding.
Run engine to operating temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes and occasionally increase engine speed to 3,000 RPM.
Drain cooling system including removal of engine block drain plugs.
Repeat as necessary depending on the severity of the contamination.
After cleaning, refill cooling system with the recommended coolant.

Inspect rubber hoses for swelling. Replace as needed.

CLAIM INFORMATION

Information only