Overheating 84 318i

[wjwnwbmw]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1984 318i for about $500. The 180,000 mile car is rust-free although the interior is a bit natty. The owner told me the engine starts getting hot after about 30 minutes and so the reason for the sale.

I am not a mechanic (more mechanically declined). However, there are likely a range of possibilities from something simple as a defective thermostat up to a blown head gasket. Is there a simple way to test and identify what may be the cause of the overheating?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

[Jeron]

Originally posted by wjwnwbmw
However, there are likely a range of possibilities from something simple as a defective thermostat up to a blown head gasket.

That about sums it up.

Check the oil for coolant and the coolant for oil. Do a compression leak down test. Make sure there is no air in the cooling system. If you can pull the thermostat out completely and see if it still overheats. It could also be a clogged radiator.

Does it still over heat if its being driven at 40+mph?

[grafhky52]

on the 4 cyl engine it is fairly common to warp the head. in that case you will need to remove the head get it milled and then put it back together