[E30]Cooling system problem....

[antil33t 90]

Well, Recently my car has been loosing small amounts of coolant. (check light would come on)

but it would only need 500ml-1000mls of water each time

and I couldn't see any water anywhere or leaks.

Tonight it came on again, when i was heading back home from my parents.

Diddn't get so far, got to about the merc dealer and i thaught "f**k that tempratures high"

and stopped, and opened the bonnet. and the expantion tank was boiling, no hoses had broken ect

and water was leaking out under the cap.

maybe theres a split in the expantion tank?

waiting till tomorrow to have a better look in the daylight.

Car is 1991 BMW E30, 320i (facelift)

Cheers,

antil33t.

Edited August 16, 2009 by antil33t

[320guy 0]

I think you need to get it scanned.

[*Glenn* 854]

I think you need to get it scanned.

I know your post was intended to be sarcastic... however if it was a later model vehicle, you would scan it. To check the electronic thermostat and to check the extent of overheating and how many times the over heating has occured. If oil temperature overheat has been triggered in the DME it is likely that severe engine damage has occurred as well. On E39's,E38's & E65's you also need to check that the auxillary water pump and valves operate as well, otherwise you will get air locks in the heater matrix which will result in overheating.

You cannot do this on early model vehicles such as E30's, E34's or E36's

Edited August 16, 2009 by *Glenn*

[*Glenn* 854]

Back on topic

Check your water level, start the motor and check the temperature guage, when it gets to operating temperature, check the bottom radiator hose, if its cold, you'll have a faulty thermostat. As for leaks you would need to pressure test it and check all your hoses, water pump and check the throttle body pre-heat gasket. If there are no visible water leaks in the engine bay, check your heater tap and heater matrix inside the car. Hopefully, you dont have a headgasket problem.

[antil33t 90]

Just had a wee play,

Being my only car, becomes quite frustrating when it breaks.

Topped it back up to the top with water.. (took 2L or so)

let it heat up, (the gauge went up faster than it usually does, was just after half way when I checked)

bottom hose was cold, and the top hose was very hot.

Must be thermostat then?

Also, where is the water tap(that the drain on the radiator)? and how do I check the heater matrix?

Edited August 16, 2009 by antil33t

[*Glenn* 854]

Must be thermostat then?

Also, where is the water tap(that the drain on the radiator)? and how do I check the heater matrix?

I would say yes to the thermostat

The drain should be a blue or black plug under the radiator on the passengers side

You would need to pressure test it to check the haeter tap and heater matrix.

Both are located on the L/H side of the centre console under the glovebox area

[antil33t 90]

You would need to pressure test it to check the haeter tap and heater matrix.

Both are located on the L/H side of the centre console under the glovebox area

Is there anything specific to do for this? or is it something I can't do at home?

Thanks for all the quick replies Glenn, much appreciated.

[*Glenn* 854]

Is there anything specific to do for this? or is it something I can't do at home?

Thanks for all the quick replies Glenn, much appreciated.

You need a pressure tester, these are quite expensive. Get it checked professionaly after youve done the thermostat

Edit: Your friendly radiator repairer might do this for you at a small cost or free

Edited August 16, 2009 by *Glenn*

[antil33t 90]

Cheers, Just picked up a thermostat today, was 50 odd bucks.

will take it to the radiator place tomorrow.

[antil33t 90]

Car, sorted, thanks Glenn

runs much cooler than it ever had.