How to Bypass Heater Core 1995 325I
The 325i is a high-performance compact car manufactured by BMW. Like all vehicles, the BMW 325i requires regular maintenance to remain in good condition. The heater core is a component that sends heat to the passenger compartment. Over time, the heater core can go bad, causing a serious antifreeze leak. One way to fix this problem is to replace the heater core. However, if you are looking for a temporary solution, simply bypass the heater core until you can get it replaced. Bypassing the heater core is an inexpensive procedure that takes about an hour to complete.
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Instructions
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Park your BMW 325I in a safe location on even ground. Engage the parking brake or apply blocks to the tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Open the hood. Locate the battery unit. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
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Locate the radiator near the front of the engine block. Unscrew the coolant cap to relieve the pressure in the radiator hose. Inspect the underside of the radiator for the draincock, or the plug used to drain the coolant. Place an oil pan directly below the draincock. Unscrew the draincock to drain the coolant. Ensure the coolant is flowing into the oil pan.
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Locate the heater core hoses. Identify the heater core hoses as two rubber hoses located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle along the firewall. One hose is the inlet hose and the other is the outlet. An easy way to locate the hoses is to trace them from the radiator to the firewall, where they connect to the heater core.
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Inspect the area where the heater core hoses connect to the heater core. Note how the hoses are attached to the heater core. Some 325I models use a screw-type hose clamp. Other models use a squeeze-type clamp. Loosen the screw-type hose clamp by removing the screw using a screwdriver. Loosen the squeeze-type clamp using needle-nose pliers.
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Connect the two hoses together using the plastic tubing from the repair kit. Press the hoses together and apply a clamp over the area where they connect. Tighten the clamp following the directions of the hose repair kit.
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Refill the radiator with the coolant that you previously drained. Ensure that you have closed the draincock before refilling the radiator. Connect the negative cable to the battery. Turn on the ignition once the coolant is replaced. Check the heater core area for leaks. Allow the engine to idle for at least 10 minutes to let the engine warm up.
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Monitor the heater core area while the engine is warming up. If you don’t detect any leaks after 10 minutes, you have successfully bypassed the heater core. If you do notice a coolant leak, turn off the ignition immediately and tighten the clamp on the heater core hoses.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not run your heater or defrost system until you replace the heater core.
Wear gloves and protective eye wear when working on your vehicle.
Bypassing the heater core is not a permanent solution. Replace the heater core as soon as possible.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
