E30 Zone

Hi Guys,

I have an 89 320i. I have stored it for three years, want to use it again now.

I dragged it out this morning, it had no water in it! so I filled it with water. Now it runs right up into the red on the temp and if I loosen the header tank cap it spews steam and water (as it would at this high temp I guess)

Any common issues? what should I look at first.

It was all fine when it went into storage.

I would really appreciate any pointers you could give.

I would say it has an air leak somewhere. Why you lost coolant in the first place I would put down to a leak somewhere. To get rid of the air leak turn the heater control onto hot. Then top up the system, dont put the cap on yet. Next fire her up and go round squeezing all the coolant pipes to try and force the air out. If all pipes get warm it should be ok. Put the cap on and go from there. If it continues to get hot it could be a jammed thermostat, but after 3 years sitting that would be on the list of parts to replace anyway. Good luck.

you need to bleen the system, dont let it get too hot, it will take time just be pacient

Thanks so much guys. I'll swap the thermostat. I just noticed water pi$$ing out of the bottom of the rad! So I'll take a look and I guess throw a new rad at it!

OK, so that seems to have done the trick.

The heater was blowing cold for a bit, and the temp was on the way up the scale. But then the water level dropped, the heater started blowing hot and the temp returned to its normal position (I have been driving this car for 13 years - I know when its happy!!)

Not sure why water was coming from under the rad, but is isn't now??? Maybe it ran down there after being blown out of a breather due to the airlock. Anyway, no leak now so I'll just keep an eye on it.

I can't believe I put it in storage though, shame on me. Needs paint, a service and some wheels not to mention a damn good clean. I love that car. Where are the engine conversion threads.....

did you bleed the system of air?? it is a must if you wish to keep your head gasket in one piece.

park car with front slightly raised, heater on full hot, start car let get warm then open the 8mm bleed screw on top of thermostat housing until only water comes out. close have a short drive and repeat till only water comes out. (make sure the expansion bottle is full of coolant)