M52 Over Heating?

[keada714]

Hey guys,

I am unsure if the m52 in my e30 is over heating or not. So I am turning to you guys for some insight, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

When I bought the car the temperature gauge would not go over 1/4. Classic sign of a stuck thermostat so I Changed it out for a new 92c unit today. The temperature gauge now reads pass the half mark when driving and climbs almost to the 3/4 mark when sitting in traffic with or without the ac on.

The top hose is bearable to touch but only for 5 or so second while the bottom one is warm. The system seems to be holding pressure as well and no oil/coolant mix. I can also rest my hands on the head without feel to uncomfortable. Makes me think the system is working correctly and there is no over heating going on.

It's been a while since I had an e30 but if I remember correctly, the oem temperature on a m20 thermostat is 80c. Which would put the gauge reading right at the middle. So I am under the assumption that the 3/4 reading for the 92c thermostat is correct. Can anyone confirm this?

[keada714]

Anyone??

[mrcheezle19]

What's your fan setup? I run a lower temp thermostat so my temp gauge runs slightly below the center line. Cant remember what it is now. 70 something. Not sure how a 92c would run.

[keada714]

M52 Over Heating?

Using a fully functional clutch fan as well as the stock aux fan. I'm not sure which switch is on the radiator but in guessing it's the stock one.

The gauge should read at the middle using the stock m20 80C thermostat. So I assume the 92C thermostat should indicate reading pas the half mark. My temperature is reading between the 1/2 and the 3/4 mark. I have put 60 miles on it with no indication of over heating.

System is pressurized and the top hose is hot and lower is cold to warm. IR reading from the thermostat housing is around 160F to 170 and various spot on the head is 170F to 180 when fully warmed up.

[mpowerful]

I have an m52 with stock thermostat. I run a clutch fan and stock aux fan. In summer it might approach three quarters in traffic but normally runs a hair or so above half.

[keada714]

M52 Over Heating?

Seems as if these gauges are different from car to car. My gauge reads between 1/2 and 3/4 regardless of driving, in traffic and using the heater/ac. Granted weather has been 50 to 65 this week.

Thinking about replacing that thermostat with a 80C unit as well as a 82C switch for a little peace of mind. Doubt the 80C will cause any ill effect on the motor. The lower temp thermostat will most likely be fully open most of the time comparing to the stock 92C.

[keada714]

Installed the 80C thermostat and the gauge reads right just before the half mark. Thinking about removing the clutch fan and just run the aux fan on the switch.

[mrcheezle19]

I ran just the aux fan on a switch and had no issues. If you can keep the clutch fan I would though since it cools way better than just the aux fan. But either way you'll be ok. The 80 thermostat was the best move

[keada714]

M52 Over Heating?

So this weekend I removed the clutch fan and ran just the aux fan high speed on the 82c (179f) switch. Fan kicks on when the temp gauge is almost at the 3/4 gauge. Ir reading at the switch is about 180F and thermostat housing (outlet side) is about 210F.

I remember reading a thread saying the fan should kick on when gauge is roughly in the middle. This never made any sense to me as the switch is on the cold side of the radiator. If the radiator is doing its job and dissipating the heat. The engine would be a lot hotter than when the fan kicks on. In my case fan kicks on when the engine is roughly 210F.

Anyone care to explain how people are running this setup and having the fan come on at the half mark. Only way I can see this happening is if you place the switch on the hot side.