Another cooling system thread...

[m3f_omairtheman1]

Hello M3F,



For starters, this was a preventative cooling system refresher on my VF supercharged 88k mile 1995 M3. I changed everything from radiator to a new Stewart pump. The only non-OE (BMW logo on most parts) is the radiator itself (Behr OEM Z3M) and the Stewart pump. I even bought a new fan clutch and fan blade.



Now I've raised the nose of the car and pressure filled the cooling system with the Schwaben tool advertised all over ECS. As I filled it as per the YouTube video, I noticed after letting it idle for 13-15 minutes that the needle starts moving past the center point. I understand that the dash gauge is a dummy gauge so I immediately turn off the car.



1) My heat isn't warm. It was very hot before. (Yes I put the fan on position one and set heat to maximum both times while draining and filling the system.)

2) On my last 1995 with 47k miles, when I replaced all cooling system (again as preventative maintenance) I did the ghetto bleed aka raise the nose up of the car and let the car air burp itself and it worked. Should I be doing that as well?



Thank you all for taking your time to read this. Very much appreciated.

[m3f_omairtheman1]

To me it looks like the new 88 degree Wagner/BMW thermostat isn't opening. Could that potentially be it?

[m3f_omairtheman1]

After doing some reading... I'm going to try the hose squeeze method in the morning. I hope this solves it!


I trust all the components are installed correctly (I triple checked) and the considering that the vacuum gauge held vacuum consistently, I am lead to believe it is as simple as not having the heater core burped.


Will report in the morning.

[m3f_j0rdan J]

Hmmm. Definitley sounds like some air in the system.

I've never used a vacuum bleed tool, only the ghetto method and I have never had an issue.

[m3f_tripitz]

I used the vacuum bleed tool that you used and had the same issue. It was pretty easy to fix as I just kept adding fluid to the reservoir 2-3x. Problem solved.



I think the tool doesn't work so great. I regret getting it; the only real benefit I ended up with is that it made sure there were no leaks.

[m3f_omairtheman1]

It's really annoying that the tool is advertised that way... I am annoyed that I purchased it too.

[m3f_NLZN]

I've did this twice in the last few months. To add some help, remove the upper radiator hose and directly fill it with fluid until it overflows. Reconnect. Drive the car around with the heater on. Takes a bit but if you can get it to take a gallon of coolant driving is the best method to get the air out.

[m3f_omairtheman1]

I just bled the system in the ghetto manor... (Throttle/squeeze lower radiator hose/leave expansion tank open)


Everything works great. Heat is hot and engine is cool.

[m3f_JGard]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who used the vacuum tool and it didn't actually properly fill the system up. But like someone else said, it was comforting to see that there are no leaks in my system prior to loading it up.


OP, glad it now works. Did you make sure to open the HVAC heat vents prior to this process? That could have prevented even the vacuum tool from accessing behind the heater core

[m3f_omairtheman1]

Of course. Like I said, I followed the instructions to a T and I double triple check everything. I do a lot of reading and have done cooling systems in like 10 cars.


I am going to attempt to return the tool as it does not work as advertised.


This was a very frustrating experience!


Thank you all for your help.

[m3f_omairtheman1]

ECS was kind enough to take back the vacuum filler.


FCP Euro and ECS have been extremely helpful.

[m3f_camdinans3]

sounds like there is still air in the system. takes a long time to bleed this car correctly. I've never used the vacuum method and it's been fine, just keep doing it.

[m3f_Adam E36]

It's good to know you got it worked out. Keep a close eye on the coolant gauge for the next week or two to be sure you did fully bleed the system.



It's not clear to me why the term "ghetto" bleeding system is used--the method works. If you follow the Bentley manual, and if you raise the front of the car, that is the method that works best; it's not "ghetto."



The ECS tool is the solution to a problem that doesn't exist. According to your experience, it isn't a solution at all, since it didn't work. It's good to hear ECS took it back.