Temp goes up when idling!

[313Espi]

Over the weekend I noticed the temp gauge inching up towards the red alot faster than it used to on my car. It was about 85 degrees outside and i was doing alot of stop 'n go driving.

I've read in the forums that some of you have converted to a 320i radiator.

Is this something I should consider? What would it cost me?

My radiator is the stock version. My car is a '76 model.

[fxtbass]

Just did the conversion on my 76'. I get parts at cost and even with a free radiator I was still in it for $200.00. easy conversion. But I also went with an electric fan. I'm happy with mine car runs cool and no fan noise.

[c.d.iesel]

check the ignition timing

tighten/replace fan v-belt

re-core your present radiator

replace the thermostat

replace your red plastic fan with a 'TROPIC'

version and look for missing, or 'shortened' blades on your current fan

install the missing plastic fan shroud that PO&HACKS left off your car

.....all in that order

[ewill2002]

My 02 cents. I have a 1976 also. Same scenario and I got sick of it. I went to this site and problem solved.

http://www.metricmechanic.com/catalog/maximum-cooling-packages.php

Depending on how much you want to spend for peace of mind. I crossed the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona in the heat of the day. No night driving because I promised my wife.

I sat in line idling for an hour and a half to get into the Rosebowl's parking lot for Bimmerfest 2010 and it barely got over a half on the gauge.

I'm sold, but the decision is yours.

[Pierre]

I'm with Creighton on that one.

A good 2002 radiator will cool a 2002 even under severe conditions. My 69, with Curt's radiator would never creep over half. I have run it at redline for 20 minutes straight at the track with 110 degrees outside, idled at the grid and never had a problem.

If your radiator is beyond repair and you a replacement, I can see the cost advantage of a 320i. But that is the only reason to do so. The 320i radiator does work well but you need to do some fabricating to mount it correctly.

Of course, if you have other issues, (vacuum leaks, bad t-stat, restricted coolant passages in the block and head, ignition timing incorrect, etc.) it does not matter what radiator you use. Those issues need to be addressed.

[Mike Self]

the problem...

Running warm at idle is normally a circulation problem...that points to a loose fan belt, sticking thermostat, failing water pump and/or a too small fan (or a PO installing the fan backwards...it can be done!) You need a five blade fan--with all its blades (they shed blades as they get old.)

If it overheats at speed, then the problem is usually cooling capacity--clogged radiator, too much heat draw (A/C, high ambient temperature etc)

As CD said--check the easy stuff first: fan belt, thermostat, water pump. If you haven't done it recently (or ever) pull your radiator (only four bolts and two hose clamps), turn it upside down and flush it out with a garden hose. Refill with coolant (50/50 antifreeze/water--never run plain water even in a climate where it never freezes--the mixture cools better and prevents corrosion) and try it again.

If the radiator is in bad shape, have a three row core installed in your existing radiator, either by a local shop or check with Curt Ingraham; he does this (Silicon Garage). That'll solve any overheating problem, look and fit like stock. Because it is, except for the third row of tubes in the radiator.

good luck

mike