Hot, Hot, Hot

[drz]

About an hour ago I stopped and got all my stuff ready to make a deposit at the ATM. During that time I had the AC cranked all the way up, set at 60 degrees for both passenger and driver. The outside temperature was about 94 degrees. As I headed toward the ATM, my car stalled. I started the engine again. I figured I had let off the clutch or something . After getting done with my transaction, I noticed my temperature gauge was marking all the way up into the HOT region, and the warning indicator light was lit.
I parked the car for about 30 minutes to let it cool off. I know that won't fix anything, but I wanted it to at least be cool enough to drive back to my apartment.
I know I need to replace my fan belts soon (more like, they are overdue already). I haven't checked the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is good, is it safe to assume that loose belts, combined with running the AC cranked all the way up while idling could result in such overheating situation? I will buy new belts tomorrow from the dealership, as well as some BMW coolant so that I can flush the radiator and replace the belts this weekend.

Comments? Recommendations? All input will be appreciated.

- Daniel

[Avlany]

Most likely youll have to check thermostat (thats what i would do in your case), then move to other parts like belts and stuff. BTW belt have to be broken to cause such effect.

[bob1998ic]

Originally posted by drz328i@May 11 2005, 05:44 PM
About an hour ago I stopped and got all my stuff ready to make a deposit at the ATM. During that time I had the AC cranked all the way up, set at 60 degrees for both passenger and driver. The outside temperature was about 94 degrees. As I headed toward the ATM, my car stalled. I started the engine again. I figured I had let off the clutch or something . After getting done with my transaction, I noticed my temperature gauge was marking all the way up into the HOT region, and the warning indicator light was lit.
I parked the car for about 30 minutes to let it cool off. I know that won't fix anything, but I wanted it to at least be cool enough to drive back to my apartment.
I know I need to replace my fan belts soon (more like, they are overdue already). I haven't checked the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is good, is it safe to assume that loose belts, combined with running the AC cranked all the way up while idling could result in such overheating situation? I will buy new belts tomorrow from the dealership, as well as some BMW coolant so that I can flush the radiator and replace the belts this weekend.

Comments? Recommendations? All input will be appreciated.

- Daniel

[snapback]343468[/snapback]

THE ONE additive that I've used in my 328i convertible AND my previous 1987 Buick Grand National - RMI-25. It has kept the Bimmer's needle at 11pm and the GN never got close to overheating. I have it in my 91 Honda Accord and I just barely get the needle to move....

http://www.batterystuff.com/productdisplay...Treatment_Quart

[drz]

I will check my thermostat tomorrow. I think the thermostat is working, though. I am thinking very likely I need to flush the radiator. I don't know what kind of care the previous owners took of this car.I am also thinking that the cooling fan is not operating correctly (fan clutch may need replacing). Thank you for the replies so far. This is good stuff. Keep it coming...... please.

- Daniel

[drz]

Originally posted by Avlany@May 11 2005, 07:22 PM
Most likely youll have to check thermostat (thats what i would do in your case), then move to other parts like belts and stuff. BTW belt have to be broken to cause such effect.

[snapback]343481[/snapback]

That is how cars behave most of the time, but I have had cars that overheat from having an extremely loose drive belt. However, this is not the case with my car. I checked the belts and they seem to be tight enough not to cause a problem.