heater core question - BMW Forum

tim96 · 09-11-2009, 05:15 AM

Hi, still trying to diagnose my coolant loss. I have a e30 320i. Does the coolant still flow through the heater core when the heater is not on (ie the temp dial is turned to cold) i got told it didnt. However as i have half my dash currently removed i felt the heater core after driving around a bit and it felt warm?

witeshark · 09-11-2009, 09:00 AM

Coolant is not supposed to run through the core with the temp dial on the coolest setting. If it is doing so, the associated valve may be bad.

tim96 · 09-11-2009, 07:34 PM

not hot but warm. So the reason im still losing coolant with the heater off could be because a) the heater leaks and b) the valve is not shutting off properly. Is it possible it could be a leaky and faulty valve?..my coolant was dripping right out from the bottom screw holding the heater core in so i guess not. I think i might bypass it untill i get the required replacement parts. To bypass it do you simply block both ends of the inlet and outlet hoses off or do you loop them by joining them with a bit of alloy pipe and a couple of hose clamps?

witeshark · 09-11-2009, 09:02 PM

You may wanna find more detailed advise. To say anything myself, I'd have to see it.