Engine still overheats after number of repairs. Help!

Tiny
MOSES1OG
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 BMW 325I
  • 135,000 MILES
Hi, I bought my car used with no known or visible mechanical problems. About 4 months after the purchase, the spot on the top of the radiator where the upper hose clamps onto it broke off. I drove it a little too much after that before I could fix it. Shortly after the engine started overheating and I noticed a crack in the radiator. It took a month or so before I could fix it, during which I drove it sparingly in town on a necessary basis only, no more than 3 miles at a time. I ordered a new radiator, then picked up new hoses and clamps, as well as changed the oil, oil filter and air filter and changed the radiator as well. Still was overheating. So I got a new thermostat and gasket seal, still overheating. Replaced the coolant temperature guage sensor, still overheating. Replaced the fan clutch today because I noticed the fan wasn't changing the speed as the engine temperature overheated. Still overheating.I've read several articles on bleeding the coolant system, but not sure if I'm doing it properly for my model car. I leave the radiator cap off and pour liquid as the engine reaches normal operating temperature. But it doesnt go down, at least not until I cut the engine off to prevent further overheating and let it cool down. Then when I come back out, it has gone down. I've checked with several mechanics, one at a bmw dealership, and a couple home ones, and they said if it was the coolant pump or cracked cylinder head (gasket), there would be fluid leaking, which there isn't. I'm at a loss, have been working on this car for awhile, trying to do it all myself. The possibility of a clogged engine is remote to me, but I know that is also a possibility. Any advice?
Saturday, September 8th, 2012 AT 12:09 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
When does the overheating occur?
Do you need to keep topping up the coolant?

Bleed cooling system.

Turn ignition on. Place A/C-heater controls on HEAT position to ensure heater valve is open. Add coolant to expansion tank. Run engine at 2500 RPM and add coolant to expansion tank as level drops.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Saturday, September 8th, 2012 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
MOSES1OG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The overheating occurs after running the engine for approximately 20-30 minutes. The coolant level stopped changing back when I changed the radiator. Now, after I change a part, I fill the expansion tank and it doesnt drop down until after I run the car to overheat and then shut it off and let it cool down. I will try the bleeding in the morning, I also know now, that I wasn't bleeding properly because I didn't drain the the engine core and I never ran the heat while draining.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, September 9th, 2012 AT 3:10 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 9th, 2012 AT 9:49 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links