Over heating issue

[Vegas227]

I have been having a problem with my 318i. Every once in a while it will come very close to over heating. It is due to my thermostat I am guessing. What is the best way to take it off to inspect it or replace it without getting coolant everywhere?

[ttrousdell]

does the radiator get hot? if not the t-stat isnt opening.

[Hey_You]

Get a drain pan, place it under your lower radiator hose, and pull the hose. That's the best way to go about not getting coolant everywhere. Have you checked your coolant level?

[thebutterson]

^^^ Yup, a big tub is about all you can do.

[Vegas227]

My car keeps dumping coolant. I have spent $40 in coolant in just about a week and a half. Im guessing the thermostat isnt opening enough or at all. I dont know. I just refilled it and it isnt over heating. And it will stay like this for a while but then it will just dump it again after a few drives...

Edit: Its weird though.... If there was a problem with my thermostat staying closed when it should open then why doesnt it over heat all the time? It seems like it only sticks occasionally. Could it need a coolant flush?

[jeffnhiscars]

My car keeps dumping coolant. I have spent $40 in coolant in just about a week and a half. Im guessing the thermostat isnt opening enough or at all. I dont know. I just refilled it and it isnt over heating. And it will stay like this for a while but then it will just dump it again after a few drives...

Edit: Its weird though.... If there was a problem with my thermostat staying closed when it should open then why doesnt it over heat all the time? It seems like it only sticks occasionally. Could it need a coolant flush?

Thermostats can be erratic as well as failing completely and in fact are about the only mechanical part of your cooling system that will act that way. Assuming you have you checked your fan clutch, aux fan switch, coolant level, have a shroud etc, just go buy an 80 degree tstat. They arent expensive and if it doesnt solve your problem most chains will take it back.

[Jaxx_]

you've spent $40 in coolant but haven't replaced the thermostat? what the fuck man. not only that, but your car is losing coolant.

[Vegas227]

Thank you lol.. I have a theromstat being shipped to me already. Its made by BMW's manufacture that they used.

[Jaxx_]

can you expand a little on "dumping coolant"?

[Hey_You]

REPLACE YOUR RADIATOR CAP! Just remember, us lucky M10 owners don't get a overflow stock, so once your radiator cap pressure is released, there goes your coolant on the ground. Also, wouldn't hurt to check for easy signs of a headgasket leak (milky oil, or chemical block test if you have one)

[Vegas227]

Thanks Hey You! I will look into getting a new radiator cap. That would explain somewhat why it is only happening occasionally. How much do they generally run and what pressure rating should i get?

[Vegas227]

I just replaced my thermostat and I am still having over heating issues.. WTF!

[Jaxx_]

milkshake?

[irish44j]

collapsed coolant hose? shot water pump?

[Vegas227]

I'm thinkin it might be the water pump now. Is there a way to test to see if it is working? I want a milkshake now dammit!