Temperature question

[ian974]

I'm not sure. I love this car but it's doing my head in!

I bled the coolant, not getting any air bubbles out, so hopefully that doesn't look like a problem.
Was running it at 1500rpm for a while and it will warm up to about 80 degrees indicated, probably at a similar or slightly quicker rate than usual and the radiator starts warming up in the high 70's. Wasn't getting the temp much above 80 (probably just me not wanting to piss folk off with the noise!) but after a while at 80 it was warm across the whole radiator. Checked it after a short drive and it was cooler again on the passenger side, but is this likely just due to airflow? The heater will get warm, but just not quite as hot as usual. While driving it'll indicate 78-81 degrees. I'd almost be inclined to think it was just the temperature sensor again if the heater was still as hot. If it is the thermostat playing up, is it possible it's just starting to open at a lower temperature?

Cheers for the help as always guys, it's running fine otherwise, I'm just getting that 'something is just not quite right' feeling!

[campbell]

Anyone know if the heater matrix is on the way out, does this manifest as not getting quite as warm air any more?

[robin]

If the temperature won't climb about 80 on fast idle then you need to use a faster idle. S1's in cold weather can happily idle for ever without the fan coming on because they can lose enough heat through the rad and cooling pipes without fan assistance, hence you need to use a higher idle; put the tie wrap between throttle quadrant and end stop and dial up 2,000 RPM ... it won't be *that* loud.

The reason you must do this is that you need to see the temperature climb, level out and then climb again. If there is a distinct leveling out phase before it finally starts to climb again, then you know the stat is working; if the climb is more or less constant rate then the stat is open and the system is always running "open loop".

The other reason is that waiting for the fan to kick in allows you to cross-calibrate your temperature gauge against the ECU; if the gauge is under reading for some reason you'll know that when the fan comes on and the gauge still reads 80 or whatever.

However, I'm inclined to think that the stat is stuck open.

Cheers,
Robin

[ian974]

Just thought I'd update this, as I did change the thermostat a couple weeks back and temperatures have been perfect since! Old thermostat did seem to open and close fairly easily.
Now I just need to sort my front sidelights, throttle cable....
Thanks again for the advice guys, I really need to get on here a bit more often rather than just lurking so I look like less of a freeloader!

[campbell]

Get along to a Spanners & Sponges session to do your lights n stuff then you can lend a hand with other unfortunate souls who might be suffering problems you have already solved And if not, then at least you could wash their cars for them!

With the season opening out ahead of us, there will hopefully be some S&S sessions getting underway on a driveway near you soon

Campbell