Getting Hot

MusicalRich · 11-06-2010, 04:18 PM

My '95 318ti is getting hot after about 15-20 miles of driving. Previous owner says he had the thermostat replaced, but not sure if it was the correct one.
The car runs great, other than this issue. I was thining maybe a sensor(temp)could be the problem. When it starts to get hot, I have to turn the AC or Heat, to bring that needle bakc to center. Any thoughts onthis, would be appreciated.

spidertri · 11-06-2010, 04:21 PM

Are there any coolant leaks? How is the coolant level in the reservoir?

MusicalRich · 11-06-2010, 04:23 PM

No visible leaks of any kind. Level is good. I did notice a slight drop in the Rad. But not anything of significance.

MusicalRich · 11-06-2010, 04:26 PM

I do notice that it smells hot when I stop.. I may have to spend a couple of bucks and have my mechanic take a look. For the most part cooling systems are all relative, he is a Jeep offroad specialist.

MusicalRich · 11-06-2010, 04:27 PM

I dont feel comfortable driving it right now until I address this. Then it's off to the Coast or Mountains.

**cooljess76** · 11-06-2010, 06:56 PM

Search the knowledge base section for a thread titled "how to properly bleed your cooling system". Read it and follow it TO THE TEE. Running these engines hot is the absolute worst thing you can possibly do to these cars. If it overheats, even for a few seconds, you run a very substantial risk of blowing the head gasket and/or warping/cracking the head. Unless you have an extra two grand burning a hole in your pocket, you shouldn't be driving the car until the problem is fixed.

Even if you don't think you did any damage by letting it get hot, there's a really good chance that you've already weakend or substantially reduced the life of your head gasket. Head gaskets are the weak link on these cars aside from the two plastic coolant fittings that are prone to fail which often cause the car to overheat and the head gasket to fail.

Make sure you read that article and follow the instructions exactly as outlined. One way to tell if you need to bleed your cooling system, is if your heater doesn't blow hot air or if it only blows warm air. It should blow scorching hot air and burn your hand if you leave it there for too long.

MusicalRich · 11-06-2010, 08:54 PM

The heater works great...It will melt your socks.
I do not let it get passed center. I ony drive it 3 miles for now..Yes, the aluminum heads will take a **** quick. I have plans to get it to the shop on Monday.
I picked it up for a song and don't wnat to drop more than I paid into it. It's strickly my emergency car.

MusicalRich · 11-20-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicalRich

My '95 318ti is getting hot after about 15-20 miles of driving. Previous owner says he had the thermostat replaced, but not sure if it was the correct one.
The car runs great, other than this issue. I was thining maybe a sensor(temp)could be the problem. When it starts to get hot, I have to turn the AC or Heat, to bring that needle bakc to center. Any thoughts onthis, would be appreciated.

This is an update from previous post:

It turns out the thermostat was not opening at the proper temp. We checked the oil for any traces of coolant...found none, so head gasket was not compromised. Noticed the upper hose had pressure but lower was not even close. So an obvious flow problem. We stuck a probe in there to look and could see that cells were nasty and had plenty of build up. Rather than try a chem flush and maybe still have an issue, I decided to just drop a new Rad in her. Voila!!! My little black beauty has new life and is running as cool as a cucumber. The car runs so much smoother and has plenty of get up and go. It's fun again!!Hope this helps anyone with similar issues.

barische · 11-21-2010, 01:05 AM

it is the bad auxillary sensor on the side of the radiator... Mine is also bad. i havent replaced it yet. when you turn on the A/C fan automatically comes on. the sensor is on the passenger side of the radiator. you might not be able to see due to stock air filter piping that goes over the radiator (stupid design btw, heats up the intake air temp).... look at that sensor.. pelicanparts sells it for about $22 bucks

goosejuice · 11-23-2010, 11:44 PM

Hey, i dont know if this is where i should be asking this but i am new to BMW's and this site.
I just got a 95 318ti for 2300 dollars, one problem with it, that didn't come up during test driving though. Its over heating. It has plenty of coolant in it, im suspecting a fuse or sensor due to the fact the fan doesn't turn on. i tested the fan myself and it does work. The seal is bad on the radiator cap but i dont think it would have this big of an effect.it doesn't overheat when its moving, usually. The radiator does leak but im still trying to find out where. No heat comes out of the vents either. Please help!

**cooljess76** · 11-24-2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosejuice

Hey, i dont know if this is where i should be asking this but i am new to BMW's and this site.
I just got a 95 318ti for 2300 dollars, one problem with it, that didn't come up during test driving though. Its over heating. It has plenty of coolant in it, im suspecting a fuse or sensor due to the fact the fan doesn't turn on. i tested the fan myself and it does work. The seal is bad on the radiator cap but i dont think it would have this big of an effect.it doesn't overheat when its moving, usually. The radiator does leak but im still trying to find out where. No heat comes out of the vents either. Please help!

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27983

.	Powered by site supporters vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org © vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2 [page compression: 95.63 k/114.24 k (16.29%)]
318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.