What's everyone running for cooling system pressure?

[Rugbyfan]

I tried a search but couldn't really get an answer. I believe the s52 in its factory state runs a 2Bar cap. I noticed recently that my expansion tank was weeping a bit and after running the serial numbers the PO actually used an e30 m3 expansion tank and cap(1.4bar). While pricey to replace I really like the location that I have now for the expansion tank. VAC also has both a 24psi and 30psi cap for the e30 m3. While I didn't have any overheating issues with the factory cap, the 30psi will get me closure to the factory spec. What's everyone else running?

[328ijunkie]

Always use 2bar cap. It will say 200 on it (for some reason)

[nando]

200kpa = 2 bar = ~30psi

[328ijunkie]

i see what you did there.

[Eric]

Ordering a new cap tomorrow... these are wear items!

[Jand3rson]

Just checked the cap on my M42 radiator, and it says 140 under it.

[FLG]

Could always go with Evans coolant and get a 0 psi or near 0 psi cap

http://www.evanscooling.com/

This will not only improve seal life but also if you do get a leak, things wont be spraying out. Only reason for the pressure is to fight against boiling (higher pressure = higher boiling point) with evans the boiling point at 0 psi is higher than that of pressurized coolant thus your able to run a low or no psi cap.

[NbAmTwE]

Could always go with Evans coolant and get a 0 psi or near 0 psi cap

http://www.evanscooling.com/

This will not only improve seal life but also if you do get a leak, things wont be spraying out. Only reason for the pressure is to fight against boiling (higher pressure = higher boiling point) with evans the boiling point at 0 psi is higher than that of pressurized coolant thus your able to run a low or no psi cap.

Good info! I'm surpised I don't know anyone running this kind of coolant.
Also, since boiling point is higher than operating range, with a 0 psi cap doesn't this make a reserve(overflow) tank unnecessary?

[FLG]

Good info! I'm surpised I don't know anyone running this kind of coolant.
Also, since boiling point is higher than operating range, with a 0 psi cap doesn't this make a reserve(overflow) tank unnecessary?

An overflow tank would still be needed, remember everything expands when heated so there will still be some movement between the radiator and the expansion tank. Plus if you get a leak, youd always want to have some extra coolant available.

[nando]

Good info! I'm surpised I don't know anyone running this kind of coolant.
Also, since boiling point is higher than operating range, with a 0 psi cap doesn't this make a reserve(overflow) tank unnecessary?

it's like $50 a gallon, and you'd need like 3. half the people on this site only paid $500 for their craphole cars....

overkill. just put your cooling system together properly, no need for $150 worth of coolant on an E30.

[Mr.SWISS]

it's like $50 a gallon, and you'd need like 3. half the people on this site only paid $500 for their craphole cars....

nando knows! I feel ballar having BMW blue coolant in my E30, cuz it is.

[jrdeamicis]

Depending on the cost of the extra components I may try that coolant out.

At $50 a jug I will reclaim it though.

[NbAmTwE]

Yeah I might still buy it! After I get all the parts I need for my swap (I'll put it all together and get it running on my spring break), if there is enough money left in the budget then I'll do it. I scored the entire drivetrain for less than 600 bucks

[ajhostetter]

Guys, I know I'm reviving an old thread here, but have any of you actually run the Evans in your M52/S52? I've spent hours researching it, and am ready to pull the trigger.

There's a ton of snake oil accusations that remind me of the prevailing attitude towards synthetic oil say...25 years ago. Beyond that, the only documented issue I see is increased engine temps, but I'm running pretty cool with a 75 degree t-stat in mine, so I know there's plenty of headroom in the cooling system.

I'm doing a head gasket and some other seals, and the motor is currently out of the car, so I figure now is the time to do it.

[ajhostetter]

Yeah I might still buy it! After I get all the parts I need for my swap (I'll put it all together and get it running on my spring break), if there is enough money left in the budget then I'll do it. I scored the entire drivetrain for less than 600 bucks

Hey Man, did you ever run the Evans coolant?