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Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 11:36 pm
by lovemybmrs
1981 320iPulled out my t stat to test can someone explain to me how it flows and the ports in the tstat please help

Re: Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 12:36 pm
by Reck
It should only have 3 outlets? Just to be clear, no. 3 on this diagram right?

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mod ... g=11&fg=35

Flow from the rad opens on the bottom port when 80c is reached. Obviously it bypasses the rad completely when shut.

TBH, you're best replacing than testing. You can get a new thermostat for a tenner. Might aswell do the water pump while you're there. Rad out (reverse flush while it's out), remove fan, water pump lives underneath the pulley. A 2 hour job at the very most!

Re: Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:53 pm
by lovemybmrs
Soo don't know of this makes any sense but mine when I heat it up closes the port to the lower radiator and when it is open it isn't open much

Re: Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:08 am
by Reck
Weird. Don't take my advice as gospel though, that's just I assumed how it worked. You haven't got it on upside down?

Re: Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 6:23 pm
by lovemybmrs
I don't believe it is installed incorrectly

Re: Understanding the m10 thermostat

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 2:15 pm
by Reck
I'd still suggest getting a new one. It's not worth risking your whole engine for the sake of such a cheap component..