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Possible causes ++ (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E36) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Steve G on April 30, 2001 at 00:03:03:

In Reply to: Help: my bmw 316 overheats really easy posted by Tom on April 29, 2001 at 17:54:06:

I would check these (probably in this order):

---> low coolant.
---> water pump belt broken or loose.
---> cooling system not bled properly. (air in the system)
---> radiator fan (or fans) not working. (most of these cars have two, a clutch fan and an electric fan)
---> thermostat is bad (stuck closed).
---> radiator plugged, not enough coolant flow
---> water pump is bad. It's uncommon on your engine, but it's possible that the impeller has come loose on the shaft.

Checking the clutch fan:
-> It's the one driven by the engine via belt.
-> With the engine off, try turning the fan by hand. It should have a "viscous" feel (I mean, there should be some resistance, and it should stop immediately after spinning it).
-> If the fan turns very easily, or keeps turning after spinning it, the clutch is bad.

Hope that helps.
Let us know how it goes.


If anybody has any advices they are more than welcome to share them with me




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