Expert: John Kingery - 1/23/2008

Question
Hi Over the last two weeks I have noticed that my engine has been getting hotter(on the gauge).
I have done the following.
At idle for 10 minutes the gauge goes into the red.
Driving say 3- 4 miles it goes into the red then comes back slightly.
I have checked the oil for any milkiness and all ok.
The fan is rotating and after stopping there is some resistance when I turn the fan.
Any suggestions Please?

Answer
The first thing to do on almost any coolant issue is change the thermostat.  Cheap, and relatively easy DIY project.

I'm not certain on this model, but on the early e36 325i's, they had a very poor design of waterpump.  

I would suggest changing the thermostat (may not be opening fully), and taking off and looking at your waterpump.  Does the impeller turn on the shaft?  

If it were me, and the waterpump hadn't been changed in, say, at least 5 years, I'd change out the waterpump while I was in there.  And if belts haven't been done recently, good time for those too.

Good luck!


Thanks for the feedback.  If you'll pay my expenses, I'll come over and work on it for you!!