R50/53 Overheating on my new build
#1
Overheating on my new build
Hi folks - I'm working out the two final tweaks on my build - tie rod replacement (the seemingly ONE thing I didn't change - grrr) and an overheating issue. Regarding the latter, I've bled the system as best I could, and the car runs just fine for about 5-10 minutes, Afterwards, it overheats to the red zone in a matter of seconds. However, if I crank up the heat all the way and restart the car, it cools right down again and I could drive it forever with the heat maxed out (an awesome feature on a hot summer day...)
Guidance is SUPER appreciated! Also, shouldn't there be an audible warning when it overheats? I get one for not wearing a seatbelt but nothing when the darn engine is about to explode - not super helpful when the only view in line of sight is the tach.
Guidance is SUPER appreciated! Also, shouldn't there be an audible warning when it overheats? I get one for not wearing a seatbelt but nothing when the darn engine is about to explode - not super helpful when the only view in line of sight is the tach.
#2
Leaning towards the thermostat possibly failed. The heater hose that sends heat to the interior runs directly off the water pump, circulates through the heater core and back to the rad. The engine itself has to pass through the thermostat after the water pump, circulates the engine then back to the rad. It's sounds like the first one is happening and the second is not.
If you do see about replacing the thermostat, I highly recommend getting the URO Parts aluminum thermostat housing (available on rockauto). It will outlast the car for a cheap price!
If you do see about replacing the thermostat, I highly recommend getting the URO Parts aluminum thermostat housing (available on rockauto). It will outlast the car for a cheap price!
The following 3 users liked this post by Scoobaru2010:
#3
Perhaps that's it - but I installed a new one with my build when replacing the head, and added an aluminium housing as well. It was a MAHLE / CLEVITE off Rockauto, and I researched the brand for these and saw good reviews. That said, certainly could be faulty out of the box and wouldn't be my first with Rock Auto parts. I also replaced the fan resistor since those are prone to failure and the water pump.
#5
Just based off the issue I can't see what else it would be, unless there is an absolute blockage. Mahle is a solid brand, could very well be a defect. I have a Rein in mine, 10,000km no issues.
Defects can happen, installed a brand new OEM BMW water pump last year. The same 10,000km and it's leaking out a weep hole... this is the only recommended water pump to get, needless to say I will be trying aftermarket manufacturers now!
#7
As a last thought does your fan work? And is it kicking into high speed? I believe high speed is about 112° C (234° F)
Unfortunately there is no audible warning, there is a red overheating light and thankfully a gauge to actually watch the temps unlike most cars.
Have you driven it in this state? And does it stay cool while moving by chance?
Unfortunately there is no audible warning, there is a red overheating light and thankfully a gauge to actually watch the temps unlike most cars.
Have you driven it in this state? And does it stay cool while moving by chance?
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#9
It could cause the symptoms per say, but once the high speed kicks on if there is coolant flow it will lower the temp rather quickly. You can run 12v to two pins on the fan connector to test low speed, easily accessible. You can pull 12v from the airbox wire lead, and ground to the transmission mount. Breif video below
I don't believe the AC changes the fan, just adds a slight drag to the engine really and may drop rpm once first engaged.
I don't believe the AC changes the fan, just adds a slight drag to the engine really and may drop rpm once first engaged.
#11
Well I found one review of the Mahle thermostat when purchasing a Rein. Maybe it IS the problem: I have always been fine with Mahle and Behr products, this thermostat is absolute trash. Went through my engine supercharger cooling system etc and got it up and running and chased overheating issues for 2 weeks nightly, thinking it was a head, head gasket or air in the system. Finally agreed to take the thermostat out and check it in boiling water, sure enough, stuck closed will not open. Bought oem, oem one opens and closed 3 times in the time I left this one in the water and it never opened. It has brass and copper parts that are not centered, totally different design than oem. Also left brass shavings in my thermostat housing that I had to flush my system of. Don’t waste time and money on this.
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Here2Go (07-22-2024)
#12
Haha what a review ! Let's hope that's it, Rein is the most ordered thermostat through RockAuto so I wish you the best.
Also cool write up on your car, your a little further into engine work than I've got. But I did buy mine with a blown motor, bought 2 "parts" cars and swapped engines. Basically have 3 to keep one going lol. This coolant nightmare never seems to end, I'm glad you've elimated the thermostat housing failure though!
Also cool write up on your car, your a little further into engine work than I've got. But I did buy mine with a blown motor, bought 2 "parts" cars and swapped engines. Basically have 3 to keep one going lol. This coolant nightmare never seems to end, I'm glad you've elimated the thermostat housing failure though!
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OutlandishnessDue (07-22-2024)
#14
The following 2 users liked this post by BRGPA:
Here2Go (07-25-2024),
OutlandishnessDue (07-23-2024)
#15
It never hurts to chemically flush the system to clean out all the old gunk. I realize you have a new thermo and rad but the engine block itself could be adding to your problem. A flush is easy to do. Use only distilled water (approx. 3 gallons at <$1/gal. at Walmart). Collect the drained liquid in the gallon jugs you just emptied and a local oil change location will usually dispose of it for free. Good luck.
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OutlandishnessDue (07-23-2024)
#16
Temp sensor (or the connector / wires) Something to check if not thermostat
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-working.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-working.html
#17
Well I found one review of the Mahle thermostat when purchasing a Rein. Maybe it IS the problem: I have always been fine with Mahle and Behr products, this thermostat is absolute trash. Went through my engine supercharger cooling system etc and got it up and running and chased overheating issues for 2 weeks nightly, thinking it was a head, head gasket or air in the system. Finally agreed to take the thermostat out and check it in boiling water, sure enough, stuck closed will not open. Bought oem, oem one opens and closed 3 times in the time I left this one in the water and it never opened. It has brass and copper parts that are not centered, totally different design than oem. Also left brass shavings in my thermostat housing that I had to flush my system of. Don’t waste time and money on this.
I was going through the exact thing you are for 2 weeks, that is my review. I was pissed! FCP now took it off their site. I figured Mahle/Behr was the right choice, I kept telling myself no it’s not the thermostat but everything pointed to the thermostat. I finally tested it and the ***** never open, and it ended up getting metallic flakes in my cooling system. I took it for the first hour or so ride after my rebuild and all was good, after that nothing but overheating. It’s a different design and i think it opened once and then closed and that was it, never to open again.
The following 2 users liked this post by ChiliRedR53:
OutlandishnessDue (07-25-2024),
slofut (07-25-2024)
#18
#20
#21
I really hope this is the problem and, if so, am pretty dang peeved a faulty design from a trusted brand has kept me from completing my 7 month project. I'll have some choice words and will let the company know what's going on.
#22
Yes the one with the black gasket is the mahle, you can see the center piece is not perfectly centered. The white gasket is the oem with 130k miles that was still working but I wanted to replace while I was there, stamped with a Chrysler emblem. I got a new oem and was instantly back in service after a quick bleed.
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slofut (07-25-2024)
#23
Well I tested the Mahle thermostat and the Rein multiple times in boiling water. Guess which thermostat is the POS one that won't open?
With the Rein installed I drove it 30 minutes straight and no problems. It has the same design as the Mahle which is different than OEM but at least it works. We'll see if it stands the test of time.
With the Rein installed I drove it 30 minutes straight and no problems. It has the same design as the Mahle which is different than OEM but at least it works. We'll see if it stands the test of time.
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ChiliRedR53 (07-26-2024)
#25
Well I tested the Mahle thermostat and the Rein multiple times in boiling water. Guess which thermostat is the POS one that won't open?
With the Rein installed I drove it 30 minutes straight and no problems. It has the same design as the Mahle which is different than OEM but at least it works. We'll see if it stands the test of time.
With the Rein installed I drove it 30 minutes straight and no problems. It has the same design as the Mahle which is different than OEM but at least it works. We'll see if it stands the test of time.
Cheers!
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OutlandishnessDue (07-29-2024)
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