Re: rad overheating (archive)

With the radiator venting over, there is a problem with the coolant flow in the system. The venting is the system's way of releasing the excess pressure. I would suspect a broken thermostat. The only way to test the thermostat is to remove it and, since you have gone to the trouble of removing it, simply put in a new one. More than likely, the retaining band on the old thermostat is physically broken and is stopping the thermostat from operating properly.

If this is your only means of transport, have a friend just pick up a generic thermostat from a local parts store like NAPA or Pep Boys. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH TEMPERATURE NEEDLE IN OR NEAR THE RED ZONE. This will cause head gasket failure and can damage the aluminum head.

You can change the thermostat in less than an hour. After this, you will have to refill and bleed the cooling system. Let me know if you need detailed removal/installation instructions.

Regards

Alex Lynch
1992 735i
1972 2002

help please
i am a new 735i owner 1988, there are various small problems with this car the usual stuff by reading the forum, the problem I am having is today on the way to work (about a 10 min trip) the rad temp went from 0 to redline in about 7 min ,by the time I parked the rad was venting over . When I went home tonite the same thing , the computer showed low coolant and then coolant temp .Is this just just a stuck thermostat? and if so where is it, and how do I find it and replace it? a part#would be great or any other thoughts this is my only trasport so I need to fix it quick.I live in vancouver canada so where i get parts would be a great help (always a problem ) thanks in advance to everyone for any help or advice

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