Re: Check the following...(kinda long) (archive)

: A couple months ago, I started to notice when I start the engine of my car when it has just be driven and still hot, the coolant temp. gauge goes past the halfway point, and then settles down in the middle to the normal position in half a minute or so... I notice when I drive in hot weather with the A/C on, and after 10-minutes or so of gridlock traffic, the coolant temp. starts creeping towards the red mark so I turn off the A/C and the coolant temp. returns to normal after a while... This does not happen on the highway, or driving above 40 mph continuously....
: Does my radiator have build up, and debris causing coolant blockage?? That can explain the problems, the blockage causing temporary high temperatures when I start the engine when it has just been driven.. I have never had the radiator taken out and cleaned... the car is a 1993 and has 77k miles on it... I've only had coolant flushed and capped off... If this is the problem does it cost a lot to fix?? or can it be another problem...??? Your help would be appreciated..
: BTW, the water pump was replaced 7k miles ago.. and the A/C blows cold air...

Kenny, first, don't worry about the momentary high temp reading after restarting your car, that's normal, as long as it settles in after about a minute, or until you get moving and air gets across the radiator.
As for the temp creep in traffic, it can be several things, but don't ignore it. Heat-ups like the ones you describe can lead to head gasket troubles which is big $$$. Check the following and see the archives where noted.
1. thermostat--if it's opening/closing correctly, the upper rad hose should be HOT after driving a while. Cheap fix--$20-30
2. auxiliary fan--this is the small electric fan that sits in FRONT of your radiator. It does nothing while driving, but in traffic, its role is to switch on at preset temp intervals (before the RED zone) and when A/C is on and pull air into the radiator. The ez check on this one is to switch on your A/C with car in park, get out check to see that the fan is operating. Possible causes if it's not can be bad fan, bad resistor, or simply a blown fuse. Archives have much info.
3. fan clutch--again, doesn't do much while your car is moving ("free-wheels"), but in traffic, it's supposed to "grab" and pull air across the engine. Check archives for more info. About $65-70 for a new one)
4. Check the radiator cap and check/tighten all hoses. Pressure losses usually show up when car is in traffic. Usually small, no leak or smell, but just enough to allow pressure to escape.
5. Get the radiator checked. It SHOULD be ok with your mileage and vehicle age, but i've heard of a few early failures. They usually last about 8-10 years if properly maintained. A new one will set you back about $300 +labor.

Good luck and get it fixed before the really hot stuff gets here!

ron 89 525i

Follow Ups:

ken and ron...... Izzy 21:02 5/08/2000 (2)
- Re: ken and ron...... ron 21:36 5/08/2000 (1)
  - Ron Izzy 00:03 5/09/2000 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E34) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.