Weird cooling problem. HELP ME.

[M633CSi]

So on my 1991 325i Cabrio I have a cooling problem that I bought it with At first it would not heat up to normal opperating temperature even if I drove it for a couple hours.
I proceeded to replace the thermostat and add coolant. Well this didnt change anything, If I let it Idle it will not heat up to normal operating temp. It will at first heat up about a quarter of the way. When I go for a drive, it will not heat up to normal temperature either. When I get back and let it Idle it will pass the normal operating temp. and go about 3/4ths of the way 4/4ths being the red overheating line.

When I go for a drive with it overheating, it cools down. When I turn the A/C air circulation it will cool down to normal operating temperature.

Im thinking its the fan clutch because even when its overheating I can stop the fan with just the use of my hand.

Please R3V help meeeee.

[jlevie]

It does sound like the fan clutch needs to be replaced. But something else may be going on.

What temperature thermostat did you use? If a 75C (or lower) the gage would only indicate about 1/4. The OE theremostat would be an 80C unit and the gage should (at speed) indicate just a bit below 12 o'clock.

[M633CSi]

I used a OEM one, Ill check when I get home as Im currently in school, BUT I belive its a oem equivalent or what not. Any Ideas on how much harder it will be to replace a fan clutch on the e30 325i compared to our e39 2003 540i M62B44 V8? We replaced it ourselves on the 540i.

[jlevie]

If anything, it is easier on an E30.

[antil33t]

If you can stop the fan with your hand, and if it doesn't overheat when your moving, it's probably most definately the fanclutch.

Also, the temprature gauges are nonlinear, my car usually sits around the first white line and I get good heat from the heater.