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Cooling system maintenance questions (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E36) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Hoa Vo on August 06, 2000 at 17:27:31:

Hi,

Hope you guys can help me.

Bought car 2 years ago. Running fine except for a fuel pump replacement last month.

Now I have to do cooling system tuneup as the coolant looks rusty.

1. I want to replace Thermostat. How do you get to it? Is it just behind the fan at the housing where the two radiator hoses converge?

2. Radiator looks OK with no leak. However, for this car I have heard plastic tank can split causing significant coolant loss quickly.
Should I replace the radiator (which is 6 years old) on a preventive principles?

3. Type of Antifreeze. It does not seem that this car uses the permanent "red color" coolant. I have been using Prestone on my other Bimmer (E23 1983 735i) with no problems.
Is Prestone OK here?

4. The Water Pump seems fine but I have heard stories about the plastic impeller breaking off with over heat problems. Is this model fit a Water Pump with plastic impeller?
If so, then is this a good time to change to a better OEM water Pump?

5. Finally the Radiator Hoses seem fine with no cracks when squeezed. Do you guys replace 6-year old hoses or go longer until you see cracks on the hoses?

Any help is appreciated.

Hoa
1994 325i 5spd 85K miles

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