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There is a slight leak in the recess above the top washer, hex nut, where the top tube enters the pump. Just enough to drip on the floor, not enough to cause a perceptible drop in fluid. Mickey Mouse, annoying.

Assuming there's a ring gasket under the washer, is it possible to disconnect the hose, tighten the hex nut,...or take it off and replace what's leaking ?

In the car ? Or do we pull the whole pump and swap in another.

THEN fix the leak on the bench. I mean in the pump. The bench isn't leaking.

Are you referring to the top tube, low pressure line?




I don't think there is a sealing washer in there. I think it is a tapered connection. Try adding a little torque to it first.

Yes; top, low pressure.

Thanks, I'll try tightening. Again. I think the last attempt, a long time ago, wanted to booger the hex nut, felt tight, not right to continue without asking what was going on under the tube washer.

It is not the end of the world to remove the pump and take a closer look on the bench. It might make sense to see how that thing is seating.

Once above 50 degrees, maybe in May, plan A is to just swap in the spare.

I really appreciate the help, advice from members of the board. At the same time, I'm beginning to notice the ace mechanics who knew everything about cars built 35 years ago, are retired to Florida. Mike is the only one who seems to keep in touch.

The repair manual on line, with the blasto crud, scorched out photos ( I know, shut up and buy a print version) gives some foggy directions to use special tools 34-3-151 and 152. To do exactly what, torque ? isn't clear either.

If anyone is reading this from Florida, cool if you have any input.

Otherwise I think I'm on my own.

That's not very nice of you to say, imho.

I was attempting levity, not any offense. What was interpreted as not nice ?

Bmw mechanics in their twenties in 1979 are nearing 60. So am I. Ouch.

Looks like a bubble flare kind of like a brake line from Realoem.



It might have gotten damaged or there might be some dirt in there to prevent it from seating correctly, hard to say. Maybe clean it up with some valve grinding compound or something. You could play games with copper packing or similar, but I'm not sure I'd want to go there. Still, it's the low pressure side, so you've got that on your side. A new one isn't all that expensive either, under $20, before shipping and handling from Tischer.

If that exploded view is on realoem.com. I should be shot.

As it looks like just a hex nut holding it, why would the BMW repair manual refer to special tools ?

Just curious, I'm going in regardless.

I got the joke made me laugh but I'm 60 this year and don't like Florida that much. I'm not a super wrench but I try... when I can get out of the walker......Ha

I do remember how E12's smelled when they were new and a kiss from a beautiful woman in the front seat....Ahhhh

Glad I don't live in Fla.

60 feels like a distant memory. And you know that the second thing that goes is your memory and you can't remember the first.