1990 BMW 525i Coolant

BLM3NY

MEMBER
1990 BMW 525I
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
84,000 MILES

We replaced the head gasket and found obvious damage to the old gasket were it was blown, I also had the head checked it came back fine no cracks or damage. Put the car back together following the torque specs. Started the car but it is boiling over and not all the hoses are getting hot, for instance upper radiator hose is getting hot lower radiator hose is not hot the radiator is cold also. There is a hose on the back of the head that goes to the heater core and that hose as well is cold. The cooling system is building pressure. It has a new clutch fan and thermostat I have even removed the thermostat to ensure that was not the problem. Any suggestions would be great.

THANKS
Brian

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

1990 BMW was still using the M-20 motor and you may have gotten an incorrect head gasket that does not have the correct steam holes or there is still air trapped inside the system and you are not getting it all out. When filling a cold motor, open the bleeder valve on top of the thermostat housing until the coolant runs out and then when it is running try to get all the air out of the system before screwing the pressure cap on. Send the last 7 of the VIN so I can know what equipment the car has.