Overheating whilst racing

[eustace007]

Hello I have bought a 318i for a stubble field grand prix. The problem is I get onto the second lap and I hyave a serious overheating problem. I am looking for a quick fix that does not need to last more than three hours. The race is run over a half mile lap and is generally done in second or third gear. Does anyone have any usefull tips on how to solve my problem?

[320Touring]

Hi, Welcome to the zone!

sounds like sub 30-40mph speeds-

start the car with the bonnet open, and take a rolled up newspaper

stick newspaper in the fan-if it stops the fan, time for a new viscous clutch (bout £30 from GSFcarparts.com)

[eustace007]

Thank you for the reply it shreds the paper and speeds are closer to 50 as it is a good sweeping track with lots of tail out fun any other suggestions gratefully received.

[Simon13]

something is wrong any E30 in good condtion will track fine for longer than you are saying.

Airlock in the coolant system? Radiator f**ked?

[FIREBREATHER60]

Sorry not revilent to your problem but how much fun does that sound!!! where do you do it?

[eustace007]

I will check the radiator but cannot see any obvious leaks have bled and refilled radiator all seems to be okay but will keep looking. As to firebreather60 we do it in a field on the farm and if you think it sounds like good fun you really should give it a try. Really is nothing like looking out the side window doing 40 round a right hander.

[Simon13]

head? gasket issue?

[marlon]

The radiator doesn't have to be leaking. If the fins are rotten you may only have half a radiator actually working.

One thing you can do to help cooling is put the heater up full blast and the fan on full pelt.
My 156, although has a new radiator etc fitted, gets very hot when I track it despite it running normal temp when on road and never overheating.

The only way I've found to keep it cool on track is to turn on the climate control, as this turns the rad fan on to it's first speed even if the engine is cold.

It may not be an actual fault with your car.

Would it help if you wired up a manual over-ride switch for the cooling fan, so you could switch it on before the engine starts to get to hot or keep the fan on constantly when racing ??

Also, the fact you are going sideways instead of forward won't help the air hit the radiator to keep it cool.

Can you bypass or remove the thermostat ?? that way the engine would take a lot longer to heat up. Just throwing some ideas about now really....

[eustace007]

many thanks will try all one at a time

[Dave_M3]

Dont take out the stat, running a BMW engine cold all the time is very bad for them.
You cant overide the fan as its a mechanical viscous fan.
The radiator could be still rotten inside as Marlon says


The thermostat could be stuck closed imo.
Or else the water pump could be fooked.

Does the top hose get hot going into the rad form the thermostat housing, If not then your stat is stuck, easy fix

I want an old shitty E30 for the fields now too when the grass is cut every year (A 318iS for the road and one for the track isn't enough ). A rusty "Brilliant PINK" 320 4 door would be nice me thinks

[FIREBREATHER60]

Yer grew up basically on my nans farm down in dorset but dont think she would take too kindly to me trashing her field even in the name of " sport " .....but i do still have access to the forestry keys!!! every gate surounging ringwood and verwood he he he