PLEASE HELP OVERHEATING

[Daadji]

Hello, I have just recently purchased an 325i sport absolutely amazing its my fifth one now you cant beat em. Anyway I think I have a problem when the car is idle the temp gauge tends to creep too three quarters but when I drive its absolutely fine sits at normal temp. I know that in the e36 328i sport when I had the same problem it was just a viscose fan but the e30 doesnt have a viscose fan so can someoone help.

[J_Mac]

overheating, obvious symptoms head gasket on its way out, creamy oil, white exhaust smoke the usual suspects

hope not in your case

[old_skool]

but the e30 doesnt have a viscose fan

Yes it does as it left the factory

Maybe yours has been pinched or replaced with electric and that's your problem

[Daadji]

The oil and water is fine no mixing it is definately not the head gasket. The temp is fine when driving and its not actually overheating just creepss to three quarterss. could it be the fan switch? thermostat

[jmc330i]

Probably just the fan on its way out - the E30 does have the viscous fan.

My 325i sits on the 1/4 mark on the move but creeps over 1/2 towards the 3/4 mark when sat in traffic, and I know the viscous coupling is knackered.

TBH, I wouldnt say you have an overheating problem, more a lack of cooling.

But, if you do have mayo on the oil filler cap, oil mixing in the water or its uses a lot of water, then its a more serious problem.

[Andy335Touring]

The E30 has a viscose as standard but i'm guessing some ones fitted an electrical cooling fan instead ?

Is the electric fan operating OK ?

<edit> too slow !</edit>

[Daadji]

what do you mean lack of cooling? how do I sort this and if it has viscose I will change it how easy is it can anyone help?

[old_skool]

First of all does it have a viscous fan or not. If it does then just buy a new viscous coupling from euro car parts or GSF and slot the little fella on. You just need a 32mm spanner (Halfrauds sell a 32mm viscous spanner with a cramked head) Buy a packet of elastoplast for your knuckles and your away! remeber when you undo the viscous nut that it is opposite threaded. i.e. stand at the front of the car facing the engine and turn the nut towards the airbox side to undo it.

[Daadji]

ok i apologie if i come accross as dumb but how do i check if it is a viscose fan?

[old_skool]

They'll be a fan bolted to the front of the water pump in between the engine and the radiator.

[Daadji]

There is definately a fan there am I right in saying the way to check if the coupling is knackerd is to see if the fan has little or no ressistance when engine is off

[jmc330i]

Get the engine warm and try to stop the fan with a rolled up newspaper is the normal advice given. If the fan stops its shagged, if it trys to rip the paper apart its fine. Oh and be bloody careful.

[Daadji]

Thanks mate will be in touch tommorrow if i have any fingers left to type with. Oh and have a look at my other topic EXHAUST GASKET and please advise. much apprecitated

[Brianmoooore]

Overheats when in traffic or not moving, fine when moving along normally - that's all the test the viscous coupling needs. It's definitely knackered.