Re: E30 Overheating -- any advice?

[Otter <kdsebe0@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

David-

There are a lot more factors that could cause overheating than what is
listed in your message.  Unfortunately, with this little info, it is tough
to diagnose over the web.  There a few important things to consider however

Valve timing can make the engine overheat, as can a leaking head gasket.
How is the engine running right now?  Is it the same mileage you've always
gotten?  Is the auxiliary fan turning on?  Is the fan clutch still good (I
bought one and it went bad the day later)?  How about the thermostat?  And
remember, 108 degrees is *very* hot, as I'm sure you know.  It might just
be a bad idea to drive in that weather!  Try some red-line water-wetter.
Also, check out the message about wiring a direct switch to your aux fan.
This will almost certainly help

Sincerely,

Kenn Sebesta
http://www.euromajic.com

>Just returned from a trip in my '85 325E through Eastern WA, where temps
>reached 108 degrees.  The car would not stay cool.  I was forced to open the
>windows and run the defroster on full heat every so often to keep the gauge
>reading at just over 1/2.  As soon as the heater was turned off, the temp.
>rose to 3/4, and a few times slipped over that mark.  If I even dared turn
>on the AC -- weak soul that I am, it sounded like a pleasant idea -- the
>temp. rode at an even faster rate.  Average speed was 65-75 mph, and of
>course, the temp. rose more quickly when going uphill.
>
>I had the oil changed just a few days ago (10W-30), and had the plugs, water
>pump, timing belt and fan clutch replaced about 5 months ago.   I've read
>about a number of ETA's being rebuilt, and am having catastrophic fantasies.
>The engine has 130 K miles on it.
>
>Any sage advice on possible fixes for this problem?
>
>Thanks,
>
>David
>
>
>
>

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