scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 19, 2012 my car is still overheating. I just changed the viscous clutch on the fan and took it for a drive and the old e30 is still overheating just before my cruise tommorow that i organised 3-4 months ago i need to find the problem im thinking thermostat could i just run my car without it for the cruise then find the problem?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted October 19, 2012 Try advance your timing on the dizzy cap? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 Try advance your timing on the dizzy cap? How do i do that?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 did you check the thermostat?? pull it out put it in some boiling water and see if it opens. you cant adjust the dizzy. did it overheat will driving?? or when sitting still?? air in the coolant system?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 did you check the thermostat?? pull it out put it in some boiling water and see if it opens. you cant adjust the dizzy. did it overheat will driving?? or when sitting still?? air in the coolant system?? so just take the whole thermostat out and put it in a bucket with hot water?? Overheat while driving but it slowly climbs at idle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2132 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 so just take the whole thermostat out and put it in a bucket with hot water?? Overheat while driving but it slowly climbs at idle just put it in your kettle if it is a flat bottom type. normal hot water out your tap wont be hot enough. these beasts open between 80 and 100 degrees C, your tap will be around 40-50 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 (edited) just put it in your kettle if it is a flat bottom type. normal hot water out your tap wont be hot enough. these beasts open between 80 and 100 degrees C, your tap will be around 40-50 So do i just put this piece in the kettle?? Edited October 20, 2012 by Matte Black E30 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 ive done that and it opens and closes fine so im puzzled Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2132 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 So do i just put this piece in the kettle?? yes, no need to put the rubber ring in though ive done that and it opens and closes fine so im puzzled well that means its not the thermostat then Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cliffdunedin 8 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 (edited) air in the coolant system?? Did you try this suggestion? Sometimes it's the most simple things that catch you out aaaannd air pockets can be a b!tch to get out sometimes! Edited October 20, 2012 by cliffdunedin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 yes, no need to put the rubber ring in though well that means its not the thermostat then i have no idea at all then im gonna try it without the thermostat to see if there is water passing through it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 Did you try this suggestion? Sometimes it's the most simple things that catch you out aaaannd air pockets can be a b!tch to get out sometimes! how do i check for air and get it out?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 i have no idea at all then im gonna try it without the thermostat to see if there is water passing through it. You cannot drive a BMW with out a thermostat. They are duo active. Cold they recirculate water in the front of the motor. When the thermostat opens it closes off the front gallery so water goes down to the back of the engine and comes back through the head. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2132 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 how do i check for air and get it out?? on he E30, open the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing if its an M20 engine. if an M40, the bleeder screw is on the radiator itself Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 i also beleive its much better to bleed the system with the front odf the car elevated a little,ie the radiator is higher the the engine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 just drove it without thermostat it took about 2 mins longer to start climbing again. fully over this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 No need for M20 to elevate. M30s you need to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 i have nothing else to think of than having a cracked head. Because everything else is working as it should be Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 No need for M20 to elevate. M30s you need to. ahh well that explains why i think that then Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 With total respect, & I understand your frustration with wanting it going for the weekend, it sounds like, from your questions - you really need to get this professionally checked. It is not hard to diagnose with the right knowledge/tools. Also, running without thermostat - as Glenn has said - a no no Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
euroriffic 609 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 Had a similar issue with a previous car, radiator and heat core were blocked and radiator was rooted aswell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted October 20, 2012 When it heats up whack your hand on the radiator core, makes it easier if the fan shroud is off. and see if the whole thing is heating up, if not possible radiator problem... (best use of an ir thermometer yet!) as suggested you might need a bit more experience on this. Remember the bleed screw too, they are almost always stripped by now... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottharvey 60 Report post Posted October 21, 2012 ok thanks might just keep the e30 off the road for a bit and have a proper check on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites