M52 running hot

[Coopdetroop]

Hi
I'm new on here so don't know if I'm doing this right but my m52 2.8 in the e30 seems to run too hot. It's got a 2.8 air con rad and 206gti fan. It's got a new 88 degree thermostat but the temp sits between half and 3/4 when driving and stays the same even with the fan on. Seems to stay at that temperature. Is the e30 temp gauge clock centre different to e36 so it looks like I'm running hot when I'm not. Or is it something else. It's really annoying. Can anyone help me. Ps it is properly bled
Thanks

[jmc330i]

Did you add an E30 temp sender for the gauge? The E36 sender supplies both the gauge and ECU, but it won't work the E30 gauge properly.

[Coopdetroop]

I don't know what has been done with that to be honest. I bought it with the engine swap. when you say it won't work properly. How do you mean exactly. Would it give the symptoms I'm describing
Thanks

[Coopdetroop]

Also I've just looked at the fan and it is sitting about 2 inches of the front of the radiator and there is no cowling for it. Would this make much of a difference. Plus it has the tech 2 front bumper and the top opening has the blanking plate on it. Would removing this make much difference. I'm also considering changing the water pump as the bearings are a bit noisy. All help would be appreciated if anyone has had this problem
Cheers

[Coopdetroop]

Thanks for the help. I've ordered the water pump so will do that as soon as it arrives. I'll have a look at the senders and I'm going to get the fan sitting up against the radiator as soon as pos. I'll borrow a temp gun from work. I was just wondering where other people's gauges sit with the m50/52 swap. When I turn the ignition on the gauge jumps from far left to bottom of the blue. Is this normal.
Thanks

[Coopdetroop]

Also just a side note. Originally the thermostat didn't work and the temp never really went above quarter. So I put a 92 degree one on there and it sat above middle. Then I put an 88 degree one in there and it still sat above middle in the same place. Confusing and annoying

[Brianmoooore]

If the gauge sits steadily in one place, and doesn't move with driving conditions, then it looks like the cooling system is working adequately, even if the gauge is slightly at the wrong point.
Have you checked that the brass nut on the back of the temp. gauge is in place?

[Coopdetroop]

Little update
I only realised last night that when I did a coolant flush on the engine a couple of weeks back I put 8 litres of pure coolant/antifreeze in it thinking it was pre mix. I just drained out 4 litres and put in 4 litres of distilled water. The needle is now sitting only just above the middle as opposed to half way between centre and 3/4 due to the better cooling effect of the water. Definitely an improvement. Hopefully the new water pump and fan relocation will finish the job

[bosers]

Some people run the 80° thermostat, from an 520 I think. I've got one to fit to mine but not done it yet. Mine sits usually just under half but goes up to mark after halfway sometimes. I'd like it to stay a bit cooler.

[Coopdetroop]

Turns out it didn't really make any difference. Can you remember where you got your 80c thermostat
Thanks

[bosers]

Got it from Euro car parts, think it's for a 520i but not completely sure, if you search various models on there you'll find one.

[bosers]

The one I got has the little bleed hole in it with a ball valve and should be fitted pointing up. May help with bleeding issues. Hope you get it sorted. Mines running well now and it's a great drive.

[AndyZippy]

+1 for the 80deg thermostat, Mine tends to only see spring-autumn use and it is perfect for that - It comes from an M50 2.0 i believe, Quite easily bought from BMW or ECP, BMW actually found out which one was that temperature 'stat for me.

[Brianmoooore]

Have you checked that the brass nut on the back of the temp. gauge is in place?

With this nut missing, the tip of the gauge needle will lie about 5mm - 10mm to the right of where it should.
Changing the thermostat for a lower rated one isn't a solution to the problem. Whatever 'stat is fitted, the gauge should indicate the temp. stamped on it under all conditions, except when the car isn't moving or moving slowly.

[Coopdetroop]

I tightened up the nut on the back and it seems to sit pretty much bang in the centre now with the 88c stat. Bonus! I have the 80c one as well. Im gonna see how it goes and if i need to ill swap it out.