Overheating

[THE BUDDAH]

Hello,

Not quite sure whats going on with my p38 2.5, it has new thermostate but also a intermitent overheating problem.

The car overheats so i loosen the water resevoir cap let it do the steaming thing then refill with water, let the car run for 15mins and replace the reservoir cap. The car will then run fine for a couple of weeks then the whole process shows its ugly head once more and its always when i'm dressed up to go out or towing to an off road event.
Any ideas what this is?

Thanks for any constructive help you may be able to offer.

Mike.

 

[dogsbody]

Have you done all the checks; no cold spots on radiator, good air flow through air con condensor, pipes clear internally, water pump and viscous fan working?

 

[Datatek]

Did you test the new thermostat before fitting it? There have been a number of reports of duff thermostats not opening properly.

 

[THE BUDDAH]

Thanks for replying.

Yes the thermostat was tested before fitting.
Air con condenser has not been checked but all else seems fine.
Where is the air con condeser what does it look like and how do i test it?

if its not one thing its another.....lol

Mike.

 

[Datatek]

It's a bloody great alloy rad in front of the engine rad.

 

[THE BUDDAH]

Thank you...lol

I'll have a look but iv'e not noticed one there before.

Mike.

 

[THE BUDDAH]

It's a bloody great alloy rad in front of the engine rad.

Oh yea, never noticed it hidden there...lol.
What do I do to check it's working ok?

Thank you.

Mike.

 

[Datatek]

Oh yea, never noticed it hidden there...lol.
What do I do to check it's working ok?

Thank you.

Mike.

Just make sure it's not blocked with debris preventing airflow to the engine rad. Try blowing through with an airline if you have access to one or wash through with a hose, carefull if you use a pressure jet not to bend the fins

 

[THE BUDDAH]

Thank you datatek,

If I take the pipe off each end and flush or blow it through will that help?
I've been told my engine could be knackered and may need new liners, could that be the cause? It's done 140,000 miles. How do I tell?

I try to do what I can as garages are so expensive, it's also good to learn, with helpful people like yourself around.

Thank you again.

Mike.

 

[Datatek]

Thank you datatek,

If I take the pipe off each end and flush or blow it through will that help?
I've been told my engine could be knackered and may need new liners, could that be the cause? It's done 140,000 miles. How do I tell?

I try to do what I can as garages are so expensive, it's also good to learn, with helpful people like yourself around.

Thank you again.

Mike.

If the BMW lump has liners then it's news to me. Looked after, these engines can be good for up to 300K miles I believe. Do not take the pipes off the aircon condensor You can take out the engine rad and flush that out internally and externally.

 

[THE BUDDAH]

If the BMW lump has liners then it's news to me. Looked after, these engines can be good for up to 300K miles I believe. Do not take the pipes off the aircon condensor You can take out the engine rad and flush that out internally and externally.

Ok noted,
I'll re-flush the rad the whole water ,but i done this and changed thermostat (after testing) about two months ago.

Mike.