When a CL ad states "heat doesn't work" and it is an e36 does that mean a blown head gasket? Just wondering...
When a CL ad states "heat doesn't work" and it is an e36 does that mean a blown head gasket? Just wondering...
Could just be the thermostat. BMW stats fail open rather than closed. My E46 is overdue for one and it's been a chilly winter when the car rarely reaches real operating temperature. I wouldn't discount some kind of electrical fault, though.
noddaz wrote: When a CL ad states "heat doesn't work" and it is an e36 does that mean a blown head gasket? Just wondering...
no, that's usually code for:
In all seriousness though, there can be problems (esp on early e36 i think) with the resistors controlling the fan, and the plastic fan loosening on the motor shaft and not turning when the motor does (its just a press fit). Usually causes squeaking, but could cause no fan at all.
In reply to rcutclif:
Could mean "the car is currently in flames so I can't really reach the HVAC controls" 
My E36 had a set of electronic valves that shut off the flow of coolant to the core. They are located on the drivers side of the engine on the firewall. It is a cluster of 3 valves connected to each other. They fail and won't ope to allow coolant into the core.
rcutclif wrote: In all seriousness though, there can be problems (esp on early e36 i think) with the resistors controlling the fan, and the plastic fan loosening on the motor shaft and not turning when the motor does (its just a press fit). Usually causes squeaking, but could cause no fan at all.
Even if the fan doesn't work, there'd still be heat. I'm think it's coolant flow or lack thereof.
My guess is either "it worked until I out this new alarm and stereo system in" or "the heater core failed and its expensive to replace to I looped the lines".
The cooling systems on all S5x motors are a known weak spot. Iron block and alloy head don't take well to being overheated. Don't skip a compression check before you hand over your money.
"just needs an alignment" = frame or unibody is bent and car doesn't drive straight but I'm hoping to find a sucker
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