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    #1

    Odd coolant hose configuration

    Ok, this is going to be hard to explain - but I'm gonna try.

    On the later coolant system, there's a T-shaped hose - it goes from the bottom of the thermostat housing, splits off into the coolant resovoir, and then shoots off into the firewall.

    Well, the new one I bought is a bit longer than my old one. My old one has a small coupling on it and it splits off to join the bottom hose off of the heatercore inlet. This little hose goes into some little metal splitter or something - then it goes into the back of the head.

    What is this for? My new T-shaped hose does not have this gap - rather it looks like it goes directly into the heatercore inlet. I'll get a pic in a bit - need anwer quick - I'm hoping to put my engine in in a couple hours.
    - Sean Hayes
    Tags: None
    #2
    Sean, I know exactly the setup you're describing. I researched some and found a reference to a recall done that modifies the t-shaped hose and adds a bypass for the heater core. The engine would get hot and overpressurize the heater core, and blow it out. In other words, keep it! I will try to find some of the links I had, but that's the quick answer.

    Edit-here's one reference-the 4th one down.Recall list

    Recall Date: 02/01/1993

    Summary:
    THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

    Consequence:
    VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.

    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

    Potential Units Affected: 375000

    Notes: BMW 3-Series
    Last edited by Brian D; 07-04-2006, 08:59 AM.
    1973 Bavaria

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      #3
      KICK FUCKING ASS!

      You're the man!

      Glad I found this out - I was gettin ready to bypass that valve all together. That woulda led to a bad day down the road! lol

      I was looking at it, and it sure seemed like some sort of relief valve. I just cannot believe that places like BavAuto still carry the old hose going directly from the core to the head. Pretty surprising!

      Looks like I'll just be reusing the hoses in that section! Thanks for the reply! :)
      - Sean Hayes

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by Sean
        KICK FUCKING ASS!

        You're the man!

        Glad I found this out - I was gettin ready to bypass that valve all together. That woulda led to a bad day down the road! lol

        I was looking at it, and it sure seemed like some sort of relief valve. I just cannot believe that places like BavAuto still carry the old hose going directly from the core to the head. Pretty surprising!

        Looks like I'll just be reusing the hoses in that section! Thanks for the reply! :)

        You can just ditch that valve if you want. 90% of the cars I've seen, don't even have that recall performed.

        It's really only for idiots who don't pay attention to the temp gauge. The core isn't going to burst just from day to day driving.

        Comment

          #5
          Cool, I'm glad I could help! Here's a link for new hoses, with both configurations.

          http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...@Heater%20Hose

          Now, I'd want to know how many people here have that valve, and if anyone has ever even heard of a core popping? I'd be inclined to agree with arsevader, most cars don't have an issue with this. My car has the valve fitted, but I wouldn't be opposed to ditching it if it's a non problem.

          Sean, I think the only mod to the t-hose is to cut it for the valve and use the end-so the same hose fits both.
          1973 Bavaria

          Comment

            #6
            no valve on my 85 325e, my 88 325is had it, and my 86 325es had it.
            85 325e 2.7 ITB'd stroker

            Comment

              #7
              I removed the valve on my car, although I did replace the heater core as well as the heater control valve...

              Comment

                #8
                well, I cut apart my new hose and put it on. I suppose it's not a huge deal that it's still there - doesn't hurt to have it. Now that it's there, I might as well keep it. lol

                My heatercore is replaced...but not new. My control valve is reused too, and I'm hoping it's not bad. lol
                - Sean Hayes

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Q-ship
                  Cool, I'm glad I could help! Here's a link for new hoses, with both configurations.

                  http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...@Heater%20Hose

                  Now, I'd want to know how many people here have that valve, and if anyone has ever even heard of a core popping? I'd be inclined to agree with arsevader, most cars don't have an issue with this. My car has the valve fitted, but I wouldn't be opposed to ditching it if it's a non problem.

                  Sean, I think the only mod to the t-hose is to cut it for the valve and use the end-so the same hose fits both.
                  Yea, that's what I ended up doing.

                  The whole reason I was worried is because we have three E30's here - and they all have it done. So...I thought I needed it.
                  - Sean Hayes

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