How to safely clean thermostat housing mating surface

[hexdump]

I think it will be alright.

Hexdump, what temp thermostat are you planning on running? Personally I use an 80c stat, less pressure on the systems plastic parts. You can find cooler thermostats by selecting an '88 325i, personally I don't think going below 80c is a good idea though but I've been using the 80c for over 10yrs now with no I'll effects.

Man, I don't even know. I ordered it based on the part number: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...at-11537511083

I think it's a 92?

Should this really matter for a daily driver / occasional "spirited" driver?

Regarding the thermostat housing, FCP euro states that the genuine one they sold me with no BMW logo and no green sealant/gasket is a genuine unit. So I guess BMW has changed their design again? And no longer putting the roundel stamp onto genuine parts. Odd...

[bluptgm3]

Man, I don't even know. I ordered it based on the part number: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...at-11537511083

I think it's a 92?

The S52 got an 88C Thermostat
11537511580

non-‘M’ 325 /328/323 and S50 3.0L got 92C Thermostat
11537511083

Lower temperature, generally, equates to more component wear, slightly lower MPG and higher emissions.

I believe most automobile engine manufacturers set their optimal operating temperature between 190F (88C) to 225F (107C) degrees Fahrenheit

[hexdump]

The S52 got an 88C Thermostat
11537511580

non-‘M’ 325 /328/323 and S50 3.0L got 92C Thermostat
11537511083

Lower temperature, generally, equates to more component wear, slightly low MPG and higher emissions.

Sounds like a solid argument to keep the 92C. What would be the reason to change?

[hexdump]

I just got off the phone with a BMW dealer who had a genuine housing in stock. They sent me some photos of it. Looks like it does NOT have a BMW logo stamped onto it and it does NOT have the green sealant applied to it either.

The gasket that comes with it does appear to be slightly "puffy" so it could be the oversized gasket.

I guess BMW has decided that the oversized gasket and no green sealant is the way to go.

Odd.

[bluptgm3]

To my knowledge the OE T-Stat Housing never had a surface sealant applied to the mating surface.

And yes, the orange ‘thingie’ gasket that comes with the OE housing seems oversized and ‘bulkier’ than earlier examples., hence the recommendation to use the OEM Elring gasket

[hexdump]

To my knowledge the OE T-Stat Housing never had a surface sealant applied to the mating surface.

And yes, the orange ‘thingie’ gasket that comes with the OE housing seems oversized and ‘bulkier’ than earlier examples., hence the recommendation to use the OEM Elring gasket

OK, is the current consensus to use RTV or not? Assuming I am using my OE housing.

[Eric93se]

Lower temperature, generally, equates to more component wear, slightly low MPG and higher emissions.

Total bull crap, you pulled that straight out of your ass.

[bluptgm3]

OK, is the current consensus to use RTV or not? Assuming I am using my OE housing.

No RTV.

[hexdump]

Total bull crap, you pulled that straight out of your ass.

Why do you think that a lower temperature thermostat would equate to less wear on the system?

I'm no expert here but, so far as I see it, a lower temp would open earlier and coolant would start flowing through the block before a higher temp thermostat. That would mean that it would take the engine longer to get to optimal operating temperature. Why is that a good thing and why would it mean less wear on plastic components?

[Eric93se]

Your thread can die now.

[hexdump]

Your thread can die now.

Sorry man, did not mean to offend. I was just wondering what your reasoning was.