E36 M3 thermostat
Discussion
Got my M3 out for bit of a run after it's engine conversion, even in this cold weather it got hot very quickly, 95 degs after a couple of miles. I let it cool down then limped it back home stopping again to let it cool down as it was approaching 100 degs.
The water pump appears to be running so I'm thinking maybe the thermostat is jammed partially shut as the bottom rad hose wasn't getting warm at all but the top hose was getting very hot. Is it a big job to change a thermostat on these? What other parts/seals are worth changing at the same time? GSF don't list a thermostat for the S50B30, would a M50 one fit or would I have to get one from the dealer?
The water pump appears to be running so I'm thinking maybe the thermostat is jammed partially shut as the bottom rad hose wasn't getting warm at all but the top hose was getting very hot. Is it a big job to change a thermostat on these? What other parts/seals are worth changing at the same time? GSF don't list a thermostat for the S50B30, would a M50 one fit or would I have to get one from the dealer?
It's a bigger thermostat, and costs about 2-3 times more.
They are also more of a pain in the ass to swap, they are behind the alloy connections where the rad pipes attach, and goes directly down onto the waterpump
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BF92...
To get the main housing off, you need to undo those 3 bolts and then wiggle it about to get it free.
It'll probably take pipe 13 with it too, there is an o-ring a the end, that might be wise to replace too, but i seem to have got away with it in the past.
The awkward bit it getting the pipe bit pushed home, and trapping the new stat between the housing and the water pump, without the pipe in, the housing isn't sitting right above the stat etc.
It's one of those odd seemingly impossible tasks that won't go in for 15 minutes, then slots together like a dream.
If you have a little dab of RTV gasket sealant smeared about, you shouldn't get any leaks.
They are also more of a pain in the ass to swap, they are behind the alloy connections where the rad pipes attach, and goes directly down onto the waterpump
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BF92...
To get the main housing off, you need to undo those 3 bolts and then wiggle it about to get it free.
It'll probably take pipe 13 with it too, there is an o-ring a the end, that might be wise to replace too, but i seem to have got away with it in the past.
The awkward bit it getting the pipe bit pushed home, and trapping the new stat between the housing and the water pump, without the pipe in, the housing isn't sitting right above the stat etc.
It's one of those odd seemingly impossible tasks that won't go in for 15 minutes, then slots together like a dream.
If you have a little dab of RTV gasket sealant smeared about, you shouldn't get any leaks.
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