Changing a blown heater core valve

[Jand3rson]

Anyone done this job before? The valve on my wife's 89 325i just blew last night, leaving a nicely soaked-in-coolant driver's side floor. I have to get it changed ASAP, because she still has to drive to work and back (short drive) for another 3 days. I was wondering how many of you have done the job before. How long does it take, how invloved is it, what tools do I need, etc. I'm fairly proficient at working on E30's, I just haven't done everything yet, as most haven't. Thanks in advance!

[Spaz]

I'm sure its nice and easy. If i recall correctly, there 2 bolts holding it on the heater core, and then it extends and goes thought the firewall to the "Heater Core Hoses" that come from the engine.

So basicly, remove lower dash panel, 2 screws on the heater core, and a hose clamp and you should be done. Make sure you drained the system and place some towels etc, to catch the water when you remove it.

-am

[Jand3rson]

Thanks Cam, I also just got all the info I need from James, with pics.

God damn, I love this board. :up:

[James Crivellone]

Thanks Cam, I also just got all the info I need from James, with pics.

God damn, I love this board. :up:

w00t :D

[jtuner]

Wow, i'm glad to find that its my heater core valve and not the core itself.. this happened to me last night... heat quit, and antifreeze soaked my feet :P How much do these things cost?

[The Fast One!]

I think my valve is stuck closed since I have no heat,

hey josh, can you post that DIY with the pics?? or give us the link, Thanks.

[erik325i]

hey josh, can you post that DIY with the pics?? or give us the link, Thanks.

how can you tell if it is just the valve that is bad, or if the whole heater core is bad? My brother is picking up an e30 that had the same problem... coolant all over the floor.

Also, how do you know what type of valve you have without looking at it? Did they change it in a certain year? one has a plastic inlet tube and one has an alluminum inlet tube.

[The Fast One!]

^^^I'm guessing it's the valve and hoping that it's not the whole heater core,

I didn't know about the two different valve's.
I'm hoping to learn about how my heater system works, never messed with it before. I learn as I go.

[Jand3rson]

There are 2 different valves, one that has both of the inlets on one end, and one that has them on opposite ends. One came on early cars, one on later, but I'm not sure of the cutoff date, but my wife's has the first one mentioned. I'll be sure to try to get some good pics for you guys.

[The Fast One!]

There are 2 different valves, one that has both of the inlets on one end, and one that has them on opposite ends. One came on early cars, one on later, but I'm not sure of the cutoff date, but my wife's has the first one mentioned. I'll be sure to try to get some good pics for you guys.

awesome thanks alot!

[Digitalwave]

Josh, I did it this summer. It was a royal pain in the ass. Its not hard, just tedious and your hands will ache by the time you are done.