Engine Cooling problem
1995 BMW 318 4 cyl 155000 miles
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I have BMW 318is I had coolent leak and I took it in. They replaced a hose under the intake and the Rad. They spent alot of time getting all the air pockets out and took it for a road test. On the road test the car started to over heat. They brought it back in. Did a compression check it was fine checked the water pump. it was fine. now they are beleeding the system to rule out poss air pockets... they also checkt he thermostat and they said that was stuck open which wouldnt be a probem.. HELP!!!!

The thermostat should be replaced and then run the car again to see if it overheats. Is the auxiliary fan working? Is the fan clutch engaging?

Katie the mechanic MUST perform a compression test on the 4 cylinders. The PSI readings of each cylinder will provide the mechanic with the feedback he needs to diagnose the area.
I assume the compression test you are talking about is the one where the mechanic pumps up the cooling system with air pressure to like one would do to see if a tire was leaking.
I am surprised that they have not performed the cylinder compression test yet.

Dye liquid inserted into the cooling system will hopefully leak and once a black light is shined on it you will see where the leak is. Some people inject the lead type substance into the cooling system that seals leaks. My take on that stuff is that people use it to fix up there car to sell it. I would not stand behind any problem that this chemical compound can patch over the long run.

My advise to you is cut you losses and get rid of the car if you cannot afford to spend the money to fix the problem correctly. See if the lead stuff can fix the problem temporarily and then sell the vehicle while it is still working.

Good luck.


Sam