a dumb thermostat question

[BavBeater85]

on the later model e30s where the cooling system is reversed does thermostat still go in spring towards head? I left mine out cuz when I put it in that way i couldnt get the air out of the system....even tried lifting the front and dumping coolant straight into the radiator and bleeding it while off the ground

[jlevie]

Yes the thermostat goes in the same way on early and late model cooling systems. Bleeding is easier if you drill a 1/8-3/16" hole in the thermostat plate and orient the stat with that hole up. Bleeding one of these engines isn't that difficult, but you have to do it the right way:

1) Using ramps or a jack get the front of the car 1' or more higher than
the rear. That will make the radiator and bleed screw the highest point
on the engine and facilitate removal of air.

2) With the bleed screw open, add coolant until no more air comes out of
the bleed.

3) Leave the filler cap off, or at least loose, and set the heat for max
temp and fan speed. Leaving the cap loose will prevent air that's still
in the system from causing a "coolant fountain" once the engine heats
up. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temp. As it
warms up occasionally crack the bleed screw to release any air and top
up the coolant as necessary.

4) Once the engine is at temp bring it up to 2000-2500rpm for a few seconds
several times. Then crack the bleed until no more air is released. At
this point the heater should be throwing lots of hot air, which
indicates that the heater core is filled with coolant. You may have to
repeat this a few times to get all the air out.

5) Drive the car a bit, allow it to cool back down, and recheck the
bleed for air. Over the next few days you may get very small amounts (a
few bubbles) of air out of the bleed screw.

[BavBeater85]

ok, that breaks it down into steps better...thanks....I think the lack of thermostat may be whats makin the car run so rich, seein as how its always cold