Temperature guage reading low

[OP6 27]

Car - 1993 E36 325i

Problem- Temperature guage normally reads dead centre once fully warmed up, but today only reached a fraction above the blue segement. Heater still pumps out hot air, maybe a little hotter than usual but I'm not sure on that. The hose from the bottom of the radiator up to the waterpump? is warm but not hot, you can hold on to it even after 10 minutes of running, however the top hose to the radiator is very hot as is the coolant in the expansion tank. No coolant loss.

The waterpump was replaced just over a year ago with a non factory item, the thermostat may have been replaced at the same time - I would have thought so.

So what is the most likely problem and dare I drive it to the nearest specialist - about 15 to 20 minutes of urban driving.

Cheers

[huff3r 347]

I had a similar problem in my E30, turned out to be the thermostat was so old and rusty it had seized open... would probably pay to check that first, its reasonably easy to check..

A basic test is to let the car run for a bit, then squeeze the top hose and you should hear the thermostat clicking open and shut.... or just take the hose off and check what condition it's in..

[OP6 27]

I had a similar problem in my E30, turned out to be the thermostat was so old and rusty it had seized open... would probably pay to check that first, its reasonably easy to check..

A basic test is to let the car run for a bit, then squeeze the top hose and you should hear the thermostat clicking open and shut.... or just take the hose off and check what condition it's in..

Thanks for that, I shall try it tomorrow night, and let all know what happens.

[*Glenn* 854]

Sounds very much like the thermostat. Use a genuine one, we have had problems with aftermarket ones and only use genuine now. Same with waterpumps. There's so much crap for sale in the market place. Dont take the risk, especially with cooling system components.