bmwe21.net forums

Dear all,

A few notes and suggestions before posting a new issue, YOUR issue:

1. With the age on these cars, you're not likely to be the first to see an issue. Check the following sections for regular issues first:
FAQ section ; Top Tech Topics
of course you can also try the search function at the right top of each page, that gives you access to over 10 years worth of info here on the forum

2. Still need to post a new issue? Supply complete info!
a. what engine, carb/injection, what year, relevant mods done
b. when did the issue start? all of a sudden? gradually?
c. any other issues, even if they seem unrelated?
d. was any work done recently?

I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction with my 1983 E21 316. It's a standard model with the M10 engine and a carburetor and 76k mileage. It's in a good condition and passed the MOT a couple of months ago. At the time the engine temperature was fine when moving but moved towards the red when idling. I have owned the car for over 15 years and the radiator was replaced 10 years ago. However, it was now clearly worse for wear with a brown sludge and general deterioration so I sent it away for reconditioning. I also replaced the water pump and thermostat as well as new belts and some hoses. I have completed the rebuild myself and to the best of my knowledge connected everything as it should. However, when I drive the car after an initial 5 minutes or so the temperature gauge quickly goes to the red. I have not touched any other part of the engine and there is no suggestion that anything like a head gasket has gone. I am scratching my head as either I have done something wrong (always possible) or there is another explanation that I have not considered. Is there anyone who might have had a similar experience or point out what I am doing wrong?

Could be that there's still some air in the system and then the thermostat won't open, causing an overheat situation that may eventually cause the head gasket to fail. Instructions here i the FAQ section: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=13416 (basically squeezing the main hoses a few times)

Jeroen

Many thanks for the advice

You're welcome, hope this is the solution. Keep us posted!

Just a small note, but perhaps better to create your own topic?

Greetz,
Walter.