E46 318i overheating
Discussion
Hi everyone,
Spent most of today trying to fix an overheating problem in my car but with no luck.
A little back ground:
Brought a second hand engine for my car (1999 E46) 2 weeks ago from a reputable online parts supplier. The engine which I purchased from this supplier had a blown head gasket which was repaired by the supplier prior to me collecting the engine. My mechanic has confirmed that a new head gasket was put onto the engine and the engine passed all tests he could throw at it. I am unsure what tests but I’m sure he mentioned a pressure test and something else.
I collected my car on 24/07 and was happy with the job done by the garage, I noticed on the way home that the temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was running a little hotter (around 3/4 on the gauge) than my old engine (which would normally not move from 1/2). Kept an eye on the temperature and it was a fluxuating whilst I was driving through town but remained pretty consistent once I got out onto the A roads. Never once did it go into the red zone on the gauge whilst I was driving it.
Got home and parked the car on the drive way for a short while (10 – 15 mins) and when I turned on and noticed that the temperature gauge about halfway into the red zone accompanied by an illuminating red light. Left the bonnet open for 15 mins whilst the temperature dropped then drove the car again. On this drive (20 miles) the temperature did again not go into the red zone but was fluxiating dependant on the road I was on and the speed I was travelling at.
Had a look at it today and I topped up the coolant which was on low but with no warning light indicating that there wasn’t enough, I did notice that the fan was not kicking in when switching off as what used to happen and it was not running when the engine was on. There is a slightly sweet smell coming from the vents but no visible coolant leak. I have checked all fuses and I can’t see what the problem is.
I am a little concerned about the fan not activating but does anyone know what could possible cause this and if there is any easy fix for this? For the time being im sticking to short journeys to not risk overheating the engine.
Thanks for any help,
Andy
Spent most of today trying to fix an overheating problem in my car but with no luck.
A little back ground:
Brought a second hand engine for my car (1999 E46) 2 weeks ago from a reputable online parts supplier. The engine which I purchased from this supplier had a blown head gasket which was repaired by the supplier prior to me collecting the engine. My mechanic has confirmed that a new head gasket was put onto the engine and the engine passed all tests he could throw at it. I am unsure what tests but I’m sure he mentioned a pressure test and something else.
I collected my car on 24/07 and was happy with the job done by the garage, I noticed on the way home that the temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was running a little hotter (around 3/4 on the gauge) than my old engine (which would normally not move from 1/2). Kept an eye on the temperature and it was a fluxuating whilst I was driving through town but remained pretty consistent once I got out onto the A roads. Never once did it go into the red zone on the gauge whilst I was driving it.
Got home and parked the car on the drive way for a short while (10 – 15 mins) and when I turned on and noticed that the temperature gauge about halfway into the red zone accompanied by an illuminating red light. Left the bonnet open for 15 mins whilst the temperature dropped then drove the car again. On this drive (20 miles) the temperature did again not go into the red zone but was fluxiating dependant on the road I was on and the speed I was travelling at.
Had a look at it today and I topped up the coolant which was on low but with no warning light indicating that there wasn’t enough, I did notice that the fan was not kicking in when switching off as what used to happen and it was not running when the engine was on. There is a slightly sweet smell coming from the vents but no visible coolant leak. I have checked all fuses and I can’t see what the problem is.
I am a little concerned about the fan not activating but does anyone know what could possible cause this and if there is any easy fix for this? For the time being im sticking to short journeys to not risk overheating the engine.
Thanks for any help,
Andy
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