1991 325iC - Heater Core Question

[mikerob97]

I should have take some pictures before I took this apart, but I didn't. I am replacing the cooling hoses on my car, including the hoses to and from the heater core.

Question: Does the short hose from the back of the cylinder head connect to the upper or lower heater core pipe?

Thanks in advance for your rapid reply..:)

[mikerob97]

no one knows the answer?

[spdracrm3]

been awhile since i messed with these hoses , but the hot water comes out the hose on the rear of cyl head and should go to the pipe with the shut-off (electronic)valve on it . trace and attach accordingly

[Das Delfin]

That electronic valve was a recall part so your car may or may not have it. But if it does there should be an arrow somewhere on it indicating coolant flow

[efficient]

The hose from the back of the head connects to the bottom pipe. I would fill the heater core with coolant before putting the hoses on. It Makes it easier to bleed the coolant system.

[reelizmpro]

^agreed.

[spdracrm3]

That electronic valve was a recall part so your car may or may not have it. But if it does there should be an arrow somewhere on it indicating coolant flow

recall safety valve was a mechanical thermostatic valve (no electronics at all) and is outside the cabin in eng bay(if recall was done) , electronic valve i was referring to is the water shut-off valve that is inside the cabin and mounted on the core inlet pipe (just dont remember if its upper or lower as it goes thru firewall) but i see its been answered ....

[mikerob97]

The hose from the back of the head connects to the bottom pipe. I would fill the heater core with coolant before putting the hoses on. It Makes it easier to bleed the coolant system.

Thanks!

Note that the electronic heater control valve is connected to the top pipe on my car.

Regarding the mechanical thermostat that was "hacked" in as part of the recall - I ditched that in favor of a new, unmolested inlet hose from BMW. I recall my first E30 from 1986 did not have such nonsense, and the car developed toasty warm air on winter mornings. This Cabriolet that I recently acquired in January did not produce much heat at all - and upon further investigation, see that the Tstat was frozen shut. So it is gone, along with the plastic "T" that was "hacked" into the return hose.

Thanks for everyone's replies - back to working on the car. I want it ready for Spring - and in NC, it is just around the corner...:)