engine runs hot.

[T La]

I havent driven the car tons, since it is realatively new, but when i do the coolent temp sensor sways beetween center and just right of center. If i turn the heat on in my car the coolant temp usually drops back to center-ish...

any ideas?

[GrahamH]

thats where it should be.

[blacked_e30]

yah thats not out of the ordinary. if it bothers you put a better thermostat in. that lowered mine to half between cold and the middle

[T La]

thanks guys, even if it leans a good needle thickness over?

[monty23psk]

As long as it doesnt climb and stays put, you should be good. Mabye a good coolant flush can alleviate some of the heat issues. Also what is the history on the coolant parts? Replaced recently?

[T La]

i know t stat was does about two years ago.

[monty23psk]

Then maybe you just need a flush. Also check to make sure fan clutch is working fine. After that, check the aux fan. If the fans are working fine then you have nothing to worry about.

[selturk]

+1 on the fan clutch.. try the newspaper trick.

[xwill112x]

i dont run a clutch fan, and mine is fine unless setting stil while running for 15+ mins

[T La]

+1 on the fan clutch.. try the newspaper trick.

newspaper trick?

link plz :D

[Simon S]

newspaper trick?

Once engine is running and up to temp, take a rolled-up newspaper and see if you can stop the fan with it.

If the fan can be stopped with the newspaper, it means the fan clutch is slipping and due for replacement.

Removing the mechanical fan and clutch assembly is popular among m42 enthusiasts. (less parts/less drag on engine) I don't have experience in the matter, but I've read it's possible to run with just the auxiliary/electric (A/C) fan. I think the only trick is to swap in a lower temp aux fan switch. (I don't have full details on this)

[e30trooper]

i dont have a m42 but I run the A/C fan cuz my fan clutch is bad. I wired it up to my fog light switch since I dont have fog lights. Works great but the past 2 weeks ive been blowing fuses

[monty23psk]

I removed the fan clutch mine and upgraded my aux to a Spal. Use the stock wiring and temp sensor and works like a charm.

[bimmer_E30]

fan clutch.

[strad]

If it is heating up only during slow or stopped operation, fan clutch would be the first thing to test. If it is heating up under any other conditions, the fan clutch is not the problem.

Running to the right of center is quite abnormal. Mine never did, and it had a completely stock cooling system -- and it gets to 115 F here in the summer. The needle was always a needle's width to the right of center or just on center (at a stoplight).