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Thread: Help! Bmw e36 overheating/thermostat issues/massive leaks

  1. #1
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    Help! Bmw e36 overheating/thermostat issues/massive leaks

    I have a 1994 325 iS that I just replaced a head on. I've done this many times - used new head bolts, new head gasket, copper gasket sealer, etc.

    Now that its all back together, my car is overheating while trying to refill and burp the coolant. I replaced the thermostat because it didn't seem to be opening, and it still wont open. It refuses to bring coolant from my Rad into the motor. Ive filled the resevoir up until is is full and cant take anymore and is going down the exces line, but both return hoses from rad to thermostat housing are dry and the housing is dry.....

    What is going on!!!

    Also will overfilling the resevoir cause the excess coolant to leak out???

    UGGHHHHHHHHHH

  2. #2
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    So, you tested the thermostat in a cup of hot water in the sink to verify it is opening properly at the right temperature? If not, that's step one.

    If it is, you have an air issue. Park the car so it is nose up- the steeper the grade the better. Fill as best you can and let it sit an hour, and then add more as it seeps in. Make sure the heater is on, "full blast" and keep adding coolant as the thermostat finally opens. Note that the thermostat WON'T open if it's not in water- if it's dry, due to some blockage, it will never open. But, you also should not be getting a water temperature reading without water, and the sensor and thermostat are in the same housing...

    I think even the crappy Haynes manuals detail burping the system. Since you are doing a head gasket, perhaps the radiator is blocked, which caused the overheat the first time... HAs all the support equipment been checked? The water pump impeller is turning correctly, and not spinning free on the drive shaft? (another common failure)
    "Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

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  3. #3
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