Re: E30 - 325e - two cold-weather problems

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Scott Ruffner" <jpr9c@domain.elided> wrote:
> With the arrival of the brisk weather here in VA, I've noted two 
> problems with my '86 E30:
> 
> 1. For the past couple of cold mornings, I've had a moaning, unhappy
> power steering pump, until the car warms up. 

Scott,
How exactly 'unhappy' is your power steering pump?
Does it work? squeal? shake? groan?

> I believe the fluid level is low (borderline), and with it's 
> contraction in the cold weather, the problem is noticeable.  It's just
> at the tip of the stick, and I'm going to add some tonight, and see if
> that does the trick. 

Excellent idea!
BTW, how murky is the old fluid? It may be a good idea to drain out all of 
the old fluid and back flush the reservoir's mesh screen filter.

> However, the car has 200k miles on it, so I'm wondering what the 
> failure mode of the power steering pumps is like? 

Donno. I had 214K miles on my E30 when I sold it and the original power 
steering pump still worked.
YMMV.

> 2. No heat!  I have plenty of fluid in the expansion tank, and it 
> doesn't appear to be losing any (I've had the car for going on two 
> years, and had to top it off just once).  The radiator was replaced 
> fairly recently, but I don't believe the heater core has been, so 
> that's a candidate. 

And a good one at that!
Another one would be a stuck open thermostat. What is your temperature 
gauge telling you?

> The heat varies from cold (at the "cold" position) to cool (at the
> hot position). Is there any chance something like a cable controlling 
> a flapper door (to regulate hot/cold air mix or coolant valve) is out
> of adjustment? 

Unlikely, but there is indeed a cable controlling the heater core. I 
haven't heard of too many stretching or failing, though. 

> Again, experiences, insightful places to look are appreciated!  I would
> prefer not to tear the dash apart to replace the core if there are other
> easier solutions to try first.

I would start with a thermostat: cook it in water on a stove and check 
with a thermometer to see when it opens. Or just replace it with a new one 
if the one in your car is older than your t-belt.
Collapsed heater cores are not unheard of, but not a simple swap. I would 
even suggest dropping by your favorite wrench to double check the heater 
core diagnosis before tearing into the dash.

alex f

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