about temp gauge/heater

[2MIZ129]

Just got another 318ti and forgot to check if the heater worked..
the thing is the heater works and its warm also the air flow is fine its just not hot enough.. I been driving it around trying to figure this out. today I saw a small amount of radiator fluid on the ground and im guessing its that radiator leak thats keeping my heater from heating up enough?? this is what the temp gauge looks like when the car is warm enough [IMG][/IMG] i been reading around but i still dont know if this is ok? i know i should check it out soon but im kinda broke right now.. should i fix this asap?

thank you

[1996 328ti]

The gauge is normal.

Low or no heat can be a bad bypass valve, broken bowden cable, air in the system.

[BRADESTAR]

The coolant leak would be unrelated to heater issue. I'd deal with the coolant leak as soon as possible, especially if it is an easy one to get at.

My car didn't have heat. I opened the bolt on the block to drain the coolant and nothing came out. I jabbed a coat hanger in there and it all came flowing out. Once topped off, I now have heat.

Seems to me that the entrance to the heater core can readily become clogged. I'd try to flush and fill. May try to get that leak at the same time.

Your car is running at the right temperature....for now.

Is also likely a pretty cheap fix (if leak is accessible).....for now.

[jca]

I'm betting that the thermostat is stuck open...that's what my problem was. John

[Dr Shuffles]

If the thermostat was stuck open, the engine wouldn't come up to temp. So that can't be it.

You know you have a coolant leak, so first thing to do is find where it's coming from.

[JFMBMW318i]

Originally Posted by BRADESTAR

The coolant leak would be unrelated to heater issue. I'd deal with the coolant leak as soon as possible, especially if it is an easy one to get at.

My car didn't have heat. I opened the bolt on the block to drain the coolant and nothing came out. I jabbed a coat hanger in there and it all came flowing out. Once topped off, I now have heat.

Seems to me that the entrance to the heater core can readily become clogged. I'd try to flush and fill. May try to get that leak at the same time.

Your car is running at the right temperature....for now.

Is also likely a pretty cheap fix (if leak is accessible).....for now.

I had that also, once I found what I thought was the drain bolt on the engine block, I took it off and nothing. WTF???? I tried to get my finger in there and
the hole was too small. I couldn't get a screwdriver in there either because of the position. I bent a paper clip and stuck it in there. Just black soot. After
5 mins of poking and googling on line to make sure I was in the right spot.....
Finally a little trickle, more poking and a face full of coolant!!!! It was a 19mm
bolt on the m42 engine.

[mampakiki]

Originally Posted by Dr Shuffles

If the thermostat was stuck open, the engine wouldn't come up to temp. So that can't be it.

Actually, these engines are small and can maintain temperature just fine (provided the coolant is good and clean) with the thermostat stuck open. I just replaced my thermostat because the car would warm up to normal temperature and then cool off while driving in cold weather.

The coolant would have to be low enough to cause a problem with the engine before it would affect the heater core.

No heat and the blend door is working means the heater core needs to be cleaned out or replaced. To clean: Remove the hoses and (using distilled water) blow compressed air and water through the core backwards from normal flow. Repeat as necessary until the core is cleaned out. Make sure you have enough coolant in the system after you are done.