Engine temperature

[Screacher]

Hi speed freaks,
I don't have a separate temperature gauge on the E30 325 other than the standard one with no temperature markings.

Normally for on road driving, the gauge has been just above the first white mark on the dial. I can't say I've taken a huge amount of notice on-track but I do recall it being between the second and third marks when at the Ring after (for example) the long drag up Kesselschen and on to Hohe Acht.

Last week I had a leak in the radiator where I lost between 0.5 and 1 litre of fluid. I couldn't source another in time for a trackday on Saturday so poured a can of K-Seal in and it did the trick. Not a drop has leaked. Due to having had the leak, I was more observant this time and noticed the gauge almost on the 3rd line when pushing hard, but it dropped below 1/2 when back in the pits. On the motorway coming back, it was down at the original "normal" position.

Is this normal for trackday/racing? The car has a sumpguard so will have a little less airflow then without. I guess I should remove the radiator and get it checked/repaired/replaced. Any thoughts?

Stu

[rix313]

What was the weather like on the day? dry and warm I presume?

If you think on track, your constantly at the top of the rev range for 15 +/- minutes at a time, it's going to get a little toasty If under every day conditions the temperature is half way then I wouldn't be worried. Do you still have the plastic ducting infront of the rad and behind the rad over the viscous fan (assuming you still have one)? Incorrect airflow to and from the rad will effect it's efficiency. As a general maintanance thing make sure all the fins are in good condition and straight to allow maximum airflow through the rad.

If the rad was leaking though I'd recommend you change it, don't want it letting go on you. If it's a regular track slag, you can get larger radiators which extent down an extra 2 or 3 inches, I believe they were fitted to Air-con models, that'll give you a little extra water cooling

What sort of condition is the oil cooler in too (I'm assuming it has the standard one seeing as it's a 325i)? If that has bent fins or is blocked it maybe putting extra pressure on the water system, causing higher temps? Food for thought.

[crossie]

What was the weather like on the day? dry and warm I presume?

If you think on track, your constantly at the top of the rev range for 15 +/- minutes at a time, it's going to get a little toasty If under every day conditions the temperature is half way then I wouldn't be worried. Do you still have the plastic ducting infront of the rad and behind the rad over the viscous fan (assuming you still have one)? Incorrect airflow to and from the rad will effect it's efficiency. As a general maintanance thing make sure all the fins are in good condition and straight to allow maximum airflow through the rad.

If the rad was leaking though I'd recommend you change it, don't want it letting go on you. If it's a regular track slag, you can get larger radiators which extent down an extra 2 or 3 inches, I believe they were fitted to Air-con models, that'll give you a little extra water cooling

What sort of condition is the oil cooler in too (I'm assuming it has the standard one seeing as it's a 325i)? If that has bent fins or is blocked it maybe putting extra pressure on the water system, causing higher temps? Food for thought.

Red hot in the morning then pissing down with rain in the afternoon!
think we where out in the rain for a good 30 minutes plus on track
Car goes really well on them wets stu!
and thanks to you and Ali for the passager laps!