e36 1995 4 door 318i heater not working

[EDDY]

I had a problem with the heater not working and losing about 500 mls of water every 2 or 3 days.
After checking all the obvious possible reasons that this would happen I took it to a garage where the mechanic told me that the heater valve was faulty and leaking and could be replaced for a mere $780.00 AU including labour.
I took the car home and removed the heater valve (3 hoses and retaining braacket) taking 10 minutes,I dismantled it and found it to be clogged up with "gunk" which had obviously accumulated over the years and had stopped the solinoids from operating' the two solinoids function when you turn the heater switches on allows the heated water to flow through the heater and visa versa". After a good clean out with emery paper and WD40 I connected the dismantled valve to the electrics turning the heater switches off and on,lubricating the soliinoids well and making sure they were working ok. I reassembled the valve using silicone to seal the bottom section and replaced it, using rubber grease on the hose connections After all that and a complete engine water flush replacing the correct amount of coolant as directed I have the perfect heater no water loss at all costing $12.00 AU and 1 hour of my labour.

[jitsjaf2009]

Great job...! I strongly urge anyone resding this to take heart. Cooling systems need maintenance, and the heater core is part of this. Draining or flushing, make sure the heater is full on...and do it at least once per year. Do NOT believe this "any make - any model" baloney about anti freeze. Use manufacturer recommendations (minimum in our BMWs use GO 5 or other low-no potassium fluid) and always only use distilled water for the mix and topping off.