Temp running in the blue range...

[m3f_weimerjtf]

I have a 95 M3 and the engine temp seems to be running consistantly in the blue. Only after about 30 minutes of regular driving does it begin to creep out of the blue. Is this normal? Is it safe to drive the car like it should be driven when the temp is still in the blue? I live in Milwaukee, WI but it's not that cold...

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Your thermostat is stuck open. Might as well purchase the Fan Delete Kit from www.understeer.com and get a new waterpump and aluminum thermostat while you are at it. If you are still using the original waterpump on your 95, it is just a matter of time before the plastic impellars break.

[m3f_weimerjtf]

Is it bad to keep driving it with the thermostat stuck open? Does that mean if the water pump goes and the engine overheats I wouldn't even be able to tell until it's too late because it would still be registering a cool temp? Thanks for the help.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

No, your engine would get really hot and the gauge would go into the red. It is better to be stuck open than closed.



However, your engine will not ever get up to proper operating temperature and your heat will not work very well.

[m3f_weimerjtf]

Thanks for your help. This forum is an awesome wealth of information.

[m3f_DOUGYKIM_04b96b288d]

I'm experiencing the same problem and waiting on the solution from understeer. I was told that with the thermostat stuck open the engine is just circulating the coolant to fast for it to settle at the proper operating temperature. Fuel efficiency is reduced and engine speeds of over 3000 rpm should be avoided until the temp gauge reads at least 1/2 way to 12'o clock. Kinda pissed me off since I've only owned the car a month. Good luck with your thermo, I'll be getting my fdk & alum thermo housing tues. so should be smooth sailing from there.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

Hey doug... got the pullies got the pullies !! this weekend is fdk weekend.. let me know when you gonna come over.

[m3f_DOUGYKIM_04b96b288d]

It's been quite some time since you've ordered your pulleys huh? Man, understeer has taken over a week now, and it's supposed to arrive today. We shall see. But yeah, mr. park, this weekend sound good. I'll get you and Jon dinner for your helping me so much...so it'll be another m3 party. I'll holla back when my shipment is in my hands.



Doug

[m3f_CarQz17_da02e24fb5]

How hard is it to install the new waterpump and aluminum thermostat?

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

How hard is it to install the new waterpump and aluminum thermostat?



Check out www.understeer.com for details on how to do this.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

you mean the aluminum thermostat COVER? or thermostat... anyhow both are perty easy. you reminded me.. since im in there i think im gonna replace the waterpump too.. JUST to make sure.. heck i got all that stuff to rip out anyway... kekeke

[m3f_95CosmoSm3]

I had the same problem you are refering to temp gauge in the blue mine always stayed in the blue. I figured it has to be the thermo so i decided to change it took off the housing and it fell out in 2 pieces. It was allowing too much coolant to flow better open than closed though, i also changed out the waterpump while i was in there and now the car runs normally at 12oclock position on the gauge :thumbsup:

[m3f_DOUGYKIM_04b96b288d]

since i'm fdking it and changing out alum thermo housing, should i change waterpump too? i'm at 55k now, build date is late in the 97s' so it has a metal impeller.

[m3f_DOUGYKIM_04b96b288d]

woo hoo!!! fdk, clutching bushings & thermo housing arrived today!! Mr. Park...m3 party this saturday?

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

H3LL Y8L IM down what time... let me know