Cooling problem

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spiderrm
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Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:56 pm

I have a cooling problem with my 90' 316iA.

The temperature gauge is over 3/4 in this hot weather although it doesn't reach the red.

When I top up the radiator, after a few days the coolant level drops to the bottom of the tank but never any more.

I can't see any leaks and there's no steam coming from anywhere.

Any ideas???
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M16
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Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:00 pm

If it loses that much coolant that would suggest a leak.

Does it only overheat when standing still in traffic?

Does'nt sound too bad.

Thermostat, Fan Coupling and bleed the whole system for trapped air as that's all cheap to do.

Then start to worry - but that should cure 99% of overheating.
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rmt
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Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:16 pm

I agree with M16 but would add a new radiator/expansion tank cap to the list.
316eyes
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Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:50 pm

Thoroughly check all hoses where they join engine/rad etc.
I once had a top hose with a tiny split UNDERNEATH and out of sight that allowed water to escape, but was blown away by the fan when running, and never even dripped with the engine off. Took me ages to find it.
I'm not completely perfect.......there are some bits missing or broken.
But the weather here helps!!!
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Brianmoooore
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Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:00 pm

rmt wrote:I agree with M16 but would add a new radiator/expansion tank cap to the list.
Should be first on anyone's list if it hasn't already been replaced under the 1999 recall!
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