Author Topic: Coolant Issues (Read 4309 times)

Whitey · « **on:** October 07, 2007, 05:23:26 PM »

So as we are entering summer n the southern hemisphere, I decided to replace the thermostat and water pump as the pump was giving the engine a unique sound. Replaced both, and everythig went together well. However I am having issues bleeding the system. I cant get any coolant to return to the radiator. The only difference btw this pump and old one is that the new one does not have a plastic impeller. Took it for a drive, and it overheated. I only get steam from bleed valve.

Came home, pulled out new tstat and checked it, operates fine. Put it back together. Pulled off water pump- i suspect this more, looks fine, matches the old item dimensionally etc. The only gasket I got with new pump was an o-ring, correct? I will put the old pump back in tonight and see what happens.

Any help would be great, as this is a daily driver and now I am on the bus:(

Thanks everyone.

vitesse · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2007, 10:07:19 PM »

Bleeding these cars can be a big pain, but once you figure out the trick its easy. Fill the coolant tank to the cold mark, then remove the upper radiator hose and pour coolant into the hose until it comes out of the radiator. When you pour into the hose, make sure your holding the hose up higher than the radiator. This should take care of the pesky air bubble.

(dont forget to have the heat on while doing this)

after you get coolant out of the upper radiator opening, put the upper hose back on and bleed it normally. It should be good to go after that. Let me know if you have any more problems...

Whitey · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2007, 07:47:06 AM »

Appreciate the response. I tried the suggestion. Filled radiator from top hose, then filled into thermostat housing with motor running. I still believe it or not only get steam from bleed screw. I removed it completely and still did not get any further. The lower hose to radiator does not seem to have any fluid in it, when I squeeze it just get another spurt of steam from bleed valve. There is no heat from vents either (surprise). I do get a gurgling from expansion tank once the engine is cut out.

The thermostat is in correctly, arrow pointing up and in the right way. I do not really want to pull it out again as that may spell the end of life for the gasket. Other than that I do not really know what to do. I must have put 10 litres of coolant into it, half of which have been spat back out the top of expansion tank (and 20 beers into me- driving me to the drink!). Any help greatly appreciated.

vitesse · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2007, 10:20:33 AM »

When you fill engine through the top radiator hose, it isnt necessary to have the car running. Car off, fill the hose (into the thermo housing) until coolant starts to pour out of the upper radiator opening. Replace hose and do a normal bleed procedure.

Cristian G in Oz · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2007, 10:15:49 PM »

Pete,

Where do you live in Penrith?
I will be working on the racecar in Glenmore Park tonight, but may be a ble to drop in and have a look on my way.

PM Me and let me know if you like.

I recently did the coolant change and radiator flush with no problems.

Cristian

Whitey · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2007, 12:13:35 AM »

mate sent you a message. Lost your number, otherwise i would have given you a call earlier. Thanks for the offer, I would really appreciate it.

Whitey · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2007, 04:31:18 AM »

All solved thanks to a fellow members specialist BMW know how. Well there is a real trick, and a lot of coolant involved in bleeding the systems. Somewhat different to an old Commodore! Many thanks Cristian.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 09, 2007, 08:20:20 AM »

great to hear your up and running again. Bleeding these cars can be a pain as they are finicky.

vitesse · « **Reply #8 on:** October 09, 2007, 09:36:11 AM »

good to hear everything worked out fine

tjts1 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 09, 2007, 09:52:35 AM »

Show us your old commodore! We don't get a lot of those around here.

Whitey · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2007, 03:01:25 AM »

Fortunately that thing is long gone. Over 450K clicks on original engine. Is now spending its retirement in sunny Queensland where nearly everything is registerable. Wasn't worth a picture even tho it was a VR with senator kit and wheels. Definitely glad to be on the move again, thanks everyone.

christophbmw · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2007, 09:44:31 AM »

ive always filled the collant as high as it could go, then i would install a pressure tester, pressurize the system, open the bleed screw untill all the pressure was out. then i would refill the tank back up to the top, start the car, and let it idle untill it warms up (heater on). then keep an eye on the tank and the temp and just keep filling it untill it will it stops taking coolant (not past the cold line). then i install the cap and go for a test drive. the 318 isnt that bad, its the M20 325 which is a pain.