Why Would it overheat - United Bimmer Community

**dinohm4** · 05-01-2007, 03:07 PM

I recently replaced the head in my e36 got it remachined and everything should go back to normal. when i was at the red light the temperature gauge went beyond the middle where it's usually at. So i was wondering if it could be the fan clutch?

**RSF5** · 05-01-2007, 03:24 PM

Its not leaking coolant and the water pump is working?

drz · 05-01-2007, 06:25 PM

Is the electrical auxiliary fan working?

**Dudesky** · 05-01-2007, 07:05 PM

The first question is always: was the cooling system properly bled? Taking a cue from drz, is the fan switch connected? You sure you put everything back the way it was, everything hooked up properly?

**c1apton** · 05-01-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

The first question is always: was the cooling system properly bled? Taking a cue from drz, is the fan switch connected? You sure you put everything back the way it was, everything hooked up properly?

Plus - why did you redo the head in the first place? Overheating? I hope you used a new thermostat & gasket after head work.

**RSF5** · 05-01-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c1apton

Plus - why did you redo the head in the first place? Overheating? I hope you used a new thermostat & gasket after head work.

yeah

**dinohm4** · 05-02-2007, 09:47 AM

Yeah i remachined the head because it was messed up. the car does not leak coolant, the water pump in new, new thermostat and new head gasket set. so i tought it could be the fan clutch which is pretty much a year old. but the auxliary fan i have never seen it working.

drz · 05-02-2007, 10:43 PM

The auxiliary fan should turn on whenever you turn on your air conditioning, regardless of the temperature outside. Try turning on your A/C and see if the fan turns on.

**dinohm4** · 05-03-2007, 08:44 AM

The fan is working properly i just changed one of the fuses and it;s working good. what are the sings of a faulty thermostat? does any one have am idea of how i can test for this

**Numark318i** · 05-03-2007, 08:47 AM

im not sure you can test for that.

i would recommend that if you change the thermostat swap out the water pump at the same time.

generally bad thermostat=always cold(broken open) or it over heats..(stuck close)

**Dudesky** · 05-03-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinohm4

what are the sings of a faulty thermostat? does any one have am idea of how i can test for this

Sign of a faulty t-stat is if the car takes a long time to reach normal operating temp. Your needle should be at the halfway point within 5-10 minutes of driving. Also check the top radiator hose. Pressure and coolant flow should exist there once operating temp is reached, if the t-stat is opening properly.

**dinohm4** · 05-03-2007, 09:34 AM

does anyone have instructions on how to change the thermostat

**Dudesky** · 05-03-2007, 09:39 AM

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...Thermostat.htm

**dinohm4** · 05-03-2007, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the site man, hey how possible is it that a brand new thermosat mess up that quick, i mean teh one i put after all the work is brand new and i wonder why it would mess up that quick

**Dudesky** · 05-03-2007, 10:20 AM

I'll bet you t-stat is fine, and you just have trapped air. Are you sure you bled the system thoroughly?