318is Over Heating Issues!

[paulie1969]

Hi all, I'm new to E30s & have just bought a 318is. Getting home, I had no issues, but yesterday on my way to work, I hit a bit of traffic, & the temp gauge started to creep up to just outside the red. Once moving again, it went down to the middle of the gauge. I had this problem with my E36 M3 that turned out to be the viscous, so i ordered a new viscous. That was fitted yesterday, & my journey to work was trouble free, gauge going to, & staying at half way. I hit a bit of traffic on my way home, & the gauge started creeping up again. I put the heater on full blast, & it eventually fell to the quarter marker. It eventually went up to the half way marker again. Next course of action is replacing the thermostat, then if that don't cure it, check/clear the rad incase it's blocked. Any other things i should check for? any help or advice appreciated!

[HJG-E30]

Has the cooling system been bled correctly?

[DHFiS]

Have you flushed the rad through to make sure there is no sludge in it? Are youu using straight water or a mixture of water and antifreeze/coolant?

[paulie1969]

Well, plan of action is going to be to change the thermostat, flush the cooling system, & refill & bleed the system. How's the best way to flush the rad, with a hose & water or use one of those flush additives available?

Cheers

[HJG-E30]

just remove radiator and use a hose until the water coming out is completely clear

[Conan]

What about bleeding the system after? Hows that done?

[paulie1969]

Well, fingers crossed, i've cured the problem. I've changed the thermostat, & bled the system, & now the temp gauge is sitting dead centre. I left it running for about half hour when hot, & it didn't move.