Cooling System Capacity?

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AZchipster

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My 1986 325e is always running on the hot side in our severe desert heat. For all you aficionados, experts, etc., is the BMW stock system for this car capable of handling our summer temperatures if it is in good condition, i.e., would a new radiator solve the problem? Or is it an issue I will just have to live with?
 
jrt67ss350

jrt67ss350

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Yes, the cooling system is very capable of handling our summer temperatures in this country if it the system is operating as designed. A new radiator may solve the problem only if yours is clogged. Chances are that you have a worn fan clutch. Does the temp rise when idling at a traffic light and then come back down after driving? If so, it's likely the fan clutch.
 
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epj3

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When you say on the hot side, what do you mean? Justin is right - if anything, the stock system on the e30 is overbuilt. A complete opposite of the system on my e36...
 
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AZchipster

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Thanks for the response. Actually, I had the fan clutch replaced a couple of years ago and that improved the performance. But the needle stays around 3/4 and on really hot days goes a little bit higher. Based on the feedback I am probably going to look into a new radiator.
 
jrt67ss350

jrt67ss350

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Yeah, the temp shouldn't ever go that high. My 325e goes to a little over the 1/4 mark and never climbs above that, no matter how hot it is out and whether or not I have the A/C on.

Is the system building pressure and keeping it?
 
jrt67ss350

jrt67ss350

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epj3 said:
No matter how hot it should be at the 1/2 mark... if it's at the 1/4 mark it's running too cold. This goes for ANY bmw.
Click to expand...
Not in mine, anyways. Mine always runs a tad over 1/4. I've replaced the thermostat twice, and it hasn't changed a thing. The thermostat is working properly. That's where she runs. Maybe my gauge is screwy.
 
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epj3

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jrt67ss350 said:
Not in mine, anyways. Mine always runs a tad over 1/4. I've replaced the thermostat twice, and it hasn't changed a thing. The thermostat is working properly. That's where she runs. Maybe my gauge is screwy.
Click to expand...
Ah okay, def could be gauge or temp sensor... as long as it's accurate enough to let you know that you are overheating, that's all that matters!
 
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