Overheating - BMW Forum

Gabrielpr12 · 09-20-2005, 01:19 PM

I am having problems with my 1989 318i (euro specs). My engine is overheating very quickly, it was leaking coolant a couple of days ago, so I checked it and there were two hoses that were cracked, so I replaced them. But, the problem is still there. I noticed that the radiator hoses get extremely hot. I checked the fan and I flushed the radiator and put new coolant in it. What could be the problem? Could it be the thermostat, the waterpump or what? Please help a fellow E30 owner.

german-speed-demon · 09-20-2005, 01:21 PM

You could have an air pocket in your coolant system, but if it gets hot RIGHT NOW, then your best bet would be the thermostat. If it is stuck closed, no coolant would circulate.

Dave

DJProfessor · 09-20-2005, 02:48 PM

which hoses are getting hot? can you post pics?

i too am leaning towards thermostat, but clogged radiatior is also a possiblity.

Gabrielpr12 · 09-20-2005, 10:52 PM

I can't post pics because I don't have a digicam, but it is the upper radiator hose the one that get the hottest, and the lower radiator hose gets hot but not as much.

325eXTATIC · 09-21-2005, 08:23 AM

If you live near a shop that can do a cooling system flush, and you can limp it there, have them do a pressure flush of the whole system. When I had mine done a few months back, there was a noticeable amount of aluminum shavings in it. Not an OH MY GOD amount, but there were some, and if I had let it sit for much longer, I could be in that same position. If you can't drive it there, tow it there, because the service shouldn't cost more than 50 euro's and it is a good idea anyhow. But before you go there, take the thermostat back out of the engine, and put it into a pot of boiling water for a few seconds. Pull it out and see if the valve opened fully. If it DID, your thermostat is NOT at fault. If not, there is your culprit.

Hope you get this resolved quickly!

Josh W.

DJProfessor · 09-21-2005, 09:03 AM

try a thermostat first, it is possible that it is not working. i am also thinking about radiator being clogged, but need to rule out the thermostat first.....plus if that's what it turns out to be you aren't out much and you have it fixed.

Gabrielpr12 · 09-21-2005, 10:26 AM

where in the engine, is the thermostat located and how do I remove it? I really can't drive the car because it overheats in about five minutes of driving. I would like to test the thermostat first, but I don't know where it is located or what does it looks like.

DJProfessor · 09-21-2005, 11:02 AM

try a google search for an online tech manual.....

if that doesn't work i will take a pic where it's located on my motor.....however yours may variy slightly.......

Gabrielpr12 · 09-21-2005, 02:46 PM

I tried searching for an online manual, but I couldn't find a free one. Can you post a pic on where it should be located at in the motor and what it looks like? Thanks.

325eXTATIC · 09-21-2005, 03:07 PM

Again, I don't have a 4 cylinder, but this SHOULD get you close... If you follow your top radiator hose from the radiator back to where it meets the engine, you should be at the Thermostat Housing. 3 or 4 bolts/nuts (probably 10mm) will hold the housing to the engine. Simply take the hose off (expect quite a bit of coolant to spill out, unless you drain the cooling system first) take the bolts out and there should be your thermostat. A round plate with a spring loaded valve in the middle of it. Take it out and use the boiling water test on it.

I HOPE I am close on this one... any e21 owner want to correct the specifics for me please!

Josh W.

DJProfessor · 09-21-2005, 03:35 PM

actually i will......you are totally wrong......

the thermo on these cars is completely different. it isn't on the block like our e30 brethern....i was looking into whether or not i could use the e21 rad with my e30 motor and came across this, now useful, piece of information.

look at the pic above.....you see the hose on the left? you see the metal piece it connects to at the far left (sort of hidden)? that my friend is your thermostat for these cars.

if i have mine you can have it, just pay me for shipping. i will check this evening.....

Gabrielpr12 · 09-21-2005, 08:33 PM

Remember guys, I have a e30 not an e21.

325eXTATIC · 09-21-2005, 09:40 PM

Thanks DJ for the correction! and I will be correcting the pic immediately!
Gabriel, it is still a 4 cylinder yes? If so, it is the M10 engine, and as such, this info will be "MOSTLY" correct!

Like I said, I will be correcting the above pic to support DJ's observations...
I am new to the BMW 4 cylinder world, so it is a bit of a learning curve for me as well!!

Here's to getting your car up and running ASAP! BTW, I have had a LOT of beer tonight!!! So if it doesn't get updated tonight... please forgive me!

Josh W.

Gabrielpr12 · 09-21-2005, 10:31 PM

Actually my engine is the M40.

DJProfessor · 09-22-2005, 08:13 AM

if you have the M40 it will be in a similar location to mine in my e30.

Josh posted a pic of the M10 motor yesterday......will try to run something down for you in terms of locating it.