Thermostat question

87325I · 08-12-2012, 09:30 PM

Sheeeet ok changing my thermostat which way does this sucker go back in? Being the idiot I am didn't really make a mental note of which way it was sitting when I took it out. 88 325i If I'm facing the front of the car should the "springs" in the thermostat be facing left or right in the housing.

DIRT_Racer · 08-12-2012, 10:34 PM

I dont know this car at all, but as a mechanic, I would say that the springs of the thermostat go to the HOT side of the line, IE, then engine side would get the springs, and the rad side would get the other side. IF the springs are surrounding what looks like a chunk of brass (this is the unit sensing the temp)

This is only a guidline as I have NO experience with BMW except my 84 318i

Bullet Ride · 08-13-2012, 09:13 AM

The o-ring on the thermostat seals against the cap, not against the housing that's bolted to the head. Also make sure that the arrow on the thermostat is pointing upwards.

87325I · 08-13-2012, 06:20 PM

Thanks gents. Dumb. Its gotta come out, totally incorrect missed the whole arrow part, AND I think it might just be in backwards. Ah well at least I screwed up good lol

SamE30e · 08-14-2012, 10:44 PM

I don't even know if it's able to go in backwards. I would think it wouldn't sit flush with the housing.

But yes, spring into the engine side.