1991 318 Running Cold

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Legface
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 4:55 pm

Hello. Hope someone can help if possible.
Bought a 318 manual a week ago. Just started to run the car and it is showing very low temp in gauge, even when hot.
Have tried bleeding system from top of rad (the small screw) and no change. No air to speak of came out. Did it when hot with heater on etc.
Interior gets warm when car is stationary, but then soon cools down when on the move.
Is it the thermostat sticking/stuck?
Or is it Water Pump?

Level of coolant is fine. Does not use water.

Where is the thermostat located? Does it need a 'bang' with a hammer? Or do I?

So many questions....
Thanks in advance.
clipper
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:00 pm

Before hitting anything with a hammer I'd check that it does actually have a thermostat fitted. You'd be suprised how many people consider a thermostat delete as a solution to a "stuck closed" failure....

I can't tell you where to look though (only have m20 experience).
These are sensations as hard to forget as they are to ignore.....
TPS
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:07 pm

What year is it? Is it a facelift or chromie? No expert but its sounds like your thermostat
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1991 325i Touring Alpine White II
1994 318i Touring Sterling Silver
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Legface
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:33 pm

Thanks for getting back to me, folks.
The car is a facelift model. If I know where thremostat is I can at least check and that is one problem out of the way.
TPS
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:42 pm

At the front of the engine, in front of the dizzy cap
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1991 325i Touring Alpine White II
1994 318i Touring Sterling Silver
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Legface
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 5:53 pm

Thanks again Sir!
If I stand at drivers front wing, with rad on my right, is the thermostat underneath the dizzy cap, or the other side of it, towards the cooling fan? Does that make sense?
TPS
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:17 pm

I think its the other side of it, the housing will be attached to the front of the engine
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1991 325i Touring Alpine White II
1994 318i Touring Sterling Silver
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Legface
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Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:43 pm

I'm with you. Thanks.
Will look in the morning and see what I can find. Too dark and cold!
Thanks for all your help.
Have a good weekend.
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Legface
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Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:41 am

The solution was the thermostat.
New one fitted and now all ok.

Thanks for all the help.
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