E30 Zone

Need to ask some questions about the coolant topping up process on an M20.

I did the following as per the instructions in the tech help article - although I didn't take the thermostat out as i havn't got a socket set.

Cheers Bri

1.Loosen off and remove the cap on the header tank (On RHS next to wing) No problem

Check the tank and cap for Ԛâ€ËamayoÔš' which is a sign that oil is mixing with the coolant (not good). Move the heater temp control to fully cold to prevent air locks in the heater matrix No problem

Also check that the bottom is yellow and rated at 140.If not go to the dealer and get one. (they were subject to a recall years ago as the originals werenÔš't up to the job) No problem

2.Undo bottom hose from radiator at RHS of the car, let coolant drain (catch it in a bucket and dispose of properly) No problem

3.Undo the 3x 10mm bolts on the thermostat housing (at the front of the engine, in front of the distributor cap) (may need to remove small fuel hose to access one of the top bolts)

4.Remove thermostat, and check its ok (should be closed if cold) If in doubt an new one is Ԛ£9.99 from GSF/ECP. Bolt housing back together.

5.Insert hose into header tank (next to RHS wing) and flush system until water is running clear. No problem

6.Remove top hose (LHS) from radiator and flush through with hose until clear No problem

7.Replace the thermostat, and reattach all hoses

8.Pour the coolant into the header tank (located on RHS next to wing) SLOWLY and give it time to settle. (should take about 4.5l to get to cold level marker) Could get no where near 4.5l in, as the thermostat must be closed. Once the header tank it up to the right level, should I then carry on from no.9 below? the radiator will be empty, and then top up the header tank when the thermostat opens and fills the radiator?

9.Set the heaters to full (HOT and no. 4 fan setting, open all vents) and start car.

10.Let car idle for 5-10mins keeping an eye on the temp gauge

11.Open the 8mm bleed nipple (on top of the thermostat housing) and allow air to escape, then close.

12.Repeat bleeding until all air is out and only water comes out when bleed nipple is opened. Top up if required.

13.Get a cup of coffee and relax for 20 mins

Dude I Pm'd you my number before with regard to this, did you not recieve it ?

Anyway, you can fill the system with hot water and force the stat open , then the system should take the full fill in one hit

HTH

Hi Ant

Tried calling a couple of times, try again in a minute.

Cheers Bri

Hello mate, try as we've discussed and yep, if you get stuck gimme a yell tomoz fella

enjoy the party !

With my trusty screwdriver and hammer I'm sure the job will be straightforward.....

Thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

i found pulling one of the temp senders out helps. i did this on the M30 when i installed it. it allows the air to come out and the block & rad to both fill up even with the thermostat closed.

All appears to be ok now, been out in the usual se london traffic jams and no problems.

Going to be doing a fair few miles in it tonight so will see how it is on a long run.

Cheers for the help on the phone Ant.

Bri