Replacing the E30 Heater Core and Valve

[///M42 sport]

bought a new heater core valve

So shiny :)


comparison is alot beefier. Hope it lasts as long as original!

[d_elson0]

I began looking into my heating issues lately. Is there fuse that may need changing for the heater control valve to receive power to open (fuse 20 I think)? Mine seems to be in the closed position (when plugged in or not. I have removed the valve and hooked it up to see if I can blow air through w/ no luck).

Just trying to diagnose before spending more on a new valve (shows no wear or leaking). I have bought a new core since I'm in there, but haven't read about many valves being stuck in the closed position w/ or w/o power.
Thanks for advice.

Also, which line does that inline thermostat go into? The line coming from the head or the block.

[E30FreaK89]

i just installed the new version of the heater valve yesterday along with a new heater core and since its bigger you need to move a relay next to it. It way bigger than the original.

[e30topdown]

Just did this. Replaced everything with new - heater core, valve, and pipes. Yes the new version of the heater core is bigger, but loosen the nut on top and it swivels. A loose flyer in the bottom of the box said to finger tighten the nut on top of valve when in its final position. That's to work around the relay, etc.
The other thing I found is its much better to put the o-rings in place over the male part of the pipe, instead of fitting into the core side first. I pinched one o-ring when I first put it together and had a leak. The second time around I put the o-rings on the pipe side and put it together without any leaks. I didn't see anyone suggest this after reading through all the posts.
OP, thanks for a great write-up. Really helped me get this done rather easily. And I am truly thankful that I have an A/C car, because it looks like a bitch job if you don't!

[db.]

RHD E30 Owners take note:

If you've got a Right Hand Drive E30 you'll need to remove the bracket that the brake booster runs through. Part #1 in this image.



The reason for this is that the E clamp and a number of the 8mm bolts are inaccessible until this bracket has been removed.

You should be able to safely remove this part without having to worry about the booster falling from the firewall.

[Dussen]

Getting ready to do this with AAA325is today.

[AllydNYC]

Finished this up this weekend. Thank you for the info!!

[banghasan]

where to find those things mate?

[Rome_Dome]

Budget/manual Heater control valve

My heater control valve started leaking really bad on me. Replaced the heater core and a makeshift manual heater control valve ... This was not the final product . Had to make a few adjustments at the end, but the idea is there

[cory58]

My heater control valve started leaking really bad on me. Replaced the heater core and a makeshift manual heater control valve ... This was not the final product . Had to make a few adjustments at the end, but the idea is there

Lamont and Rollo would approve of that rig!

[superj]

my valve is frozen closed also. and, oddly, we have had weather in the low 30s here in south texas. normally, you don't even need a heater core and most people bypass them, which is what I though had been done to this little 87 325, but its the valve.

I might make a quick ball valve set up for now. I have other things that require fixing to be safe instead of more comfortable

[Chrisbike]

I just replaced my core this weekend, didn't fix my heat issue, valve works, I've bled the system numerous times and haven't really got that hot air. Only way to get things to warm up is using the recirc. Before I replaced it I pressure tested the system and there was a pin hole leak in from the heater core. When I was pulling off all the hoses there was no coolant in the heater aluminum pipes and I am wonder if something is blocking. The heater core, return and feed are both hot so I assume coolant is reaching it. Enough ranting, maybe someone has a idea

[e30austin]

I just replaced my core this weekend, didn't fix my heat issue, valve works, I've bled the system numerous times and haven't really got that hot air. Only way to get things to warm up is using the recirc. Before I replaced it I pressure tested the system and there was a pin hole leak in from the heater core. When I was pulling off all the hoses there was no coolant in the heater aluminum pipes and I am wonder if something is blocking. The heater core, return and feed are both hot so I assume coolant is reaching it. Enough ranting, maybe someone has a idea

Fill your cooling system through the upper radiator hose. See if that helps your issue.

[blackmist27]

all parts ordered. i am going to give it a go in the next week. hope i have a running working heater soon.

[iPee]

Did you need to drain the coolant before attempting this procedure?