My e30 Will Not Get Hot Enough? M52

[KI4UJO]

I can not get my temp to go over 86 celsius unless I allow the car to set at idle with the electric fan off. With that in mind, I am running a stock temperature thermostat (motor is from an e39), e30 pusher fan, e36 radiator, and an adjustable temp fan controller. I replaced the t-stat thinking that it was stuck open, but I was wrong. For reference, this is an OBD2 car, so I am pulling the temp data from INPA.

Is my temp sender off a few degrees? Do I need to get a cooler t-stat? Any other ideas?

[Varinn]

You would want a warmer thermostat, not colder. You bought one rated at 88 Celsius? I believe that is the stock rating and what I run myself, I have not checked recently on INPA but when I get my motor back together I will check.

I never had an issue keeping temps down though, with an S52, 88c thermostat, e30 fan switch (91/99), mishimoto rad, no mech fan, and a 16" spal pusher up front I was able to drive for weeks before realizing my fan switch had stopped working. These motors are VERY good at avoiding high temps. I only noticed it rise above the mid point on the e30 gauge after sitting in traffic for 10-15 minutes with a 25 degree Celsius ambient temp.

[328ijunkie]

What Tstat? 80 or 88?

[sweet3]

My setup is a s52 with no mechanical fan. I have a new oem A/C pusher with 2 modified 10 in pullers on the radiator. 88c thermostat and a 80/88 temp switch.
I recently installed a digital temp gauge and it reads 92 (right around the middle on the stock gauge). Sitting at a traffic light, it creeps up to 100c before the fans kick on. It never goes below 92. It always scares me when I get in traffic. I'm planning on getting a 80c stat.
I suggest running a 80c thermostat with a 80/88 switch if you dont have a mechanical fan.

Are you sure that you have all of the air out of the system?