thermodynamics specialists? (archive)

I just installed an original BMW 2 row radiator in my (E9)coupe after converting from an automatic transmission and installing a 3.5l E12 engine. The engine was cooling fine as long as I was still using the 3 row automatic radiator and the temperature gauge was slightly above center. Also, I've used another E12 radiator with the same engine before without any over-heating.

Now the temperature goes right up to the red when the car idles and will barely hold an equilibrium at that level. (When I drive in traffic it goes into the Red.) Oddly the radiator doesn't quite get hot and even has fairly
cold spots. I'm fairly sure that the radiator is not clogged and when I turn the engine off the temperature of the radiator actually climbs until it is hot on its whole surface. Is the coolant not recirculating properly? I also
don't see how the thermostat would suddenly go bad without having been touched between radiator changes. Thanks for your help.

Best Regards,
Tom Colitt

Follow Ups:

Re: thermodynamics specialists? John in Simi, E12, E24, E28 02:22 5/12/2002 (0)
Are you sure the thermostat is still good? Chris Morgan 11:49 5/08/2002 (0)
Re: thermodynamics specialists? Mike W. 02:06 5/08/2002 (0)

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