Technical Coolant temperature problem?

[Sonic2]

My Cinq sporting is only running at 70 degrees- Is this normal? Takes a long,long time to get to this temperature too. (about 5 miles)

Ive already had another head (done by a garage) that was from a punto (same engine apparently?) with the nessesary bolts and gasket.

Coolant has been replaced when they did the head,theyve replaced all the core plugs (6 I think) and the rad has had some stop leak in it (or equivelent) even though it wasnt leaking.

Doesnt use coolant (on max) and the fan cuts in at 90 when in traffic. Cant see any leaks either.

What the hecks going on? Im well confused :bang:

 

[Sonic2]

I will add to say it doesnt stay at one temperature either (when driving along)-It can fluctuate between 60?! and 90 when in traffic,but wont ever go over 90.


I think the temperature drops right down when it goes up or downhill,if thats any help.

Waterpump has also been replaced.

 

[custard]

thermostat could be jammed open or even removed

 

[Sonic2]

I guess it could be jammed open... sometimes ,but I cant see how that would explain how it would be missing if the fan cuts in!

 

[primeruss]

1. Thermostat missing or jammed open.
2. Temp sender ******ed.
3. Temp guage ******ed.
4. Air trapped in head. try opening the bleed screws see if you can get any water out

 

[custard]

I guess it could be jammed open... sometimes ,but I cant see how that would explain how it would be missing if the fan cuts in!

because when the engine is at full temp the thermostat would be fully open anyway

 

[Sonic2]

Ah,i see.

Fully open-Possability.

Missing- Cant see how

I'll see if I can source a 'stat,Cheers

 

[primeruss]

Ah,i see.

Fully open-Possability.

Missing- Cant see how

I'll see if I can source a 'stat,Cheers

What happens is this.............
It is a hot day in may and your thermostat decides to pack up. Instead of spending £20 on a new one you simply take the housing off the end of the block and break the waxstat part inside ( hammer is useful for this) You then put it back together without the internal parts, smug in the knowledge that your car won't overheat no matter how hot the summer is, unfortunately the summer endes around October and you then need to put a new thermo in otherwise the heater won't work, the car runs rough for about 20mins after start up, temp never gets above 70, fuel consumption drops off the scale.

 

[Sonic2]

Thing is,ive owned the car for years. So if the garage have done it they'll be having a few questions put their way...


Eg do they have a good solicitors

 

[primeruss]

take it off and have a look. It may be stuck open but to run as cold as you suggest it sound like there is nothing in it or the problem lies elsewhere

 

[Sonic2]

Thing is,fuel consumption is good.... I think- 350 miles to a tank (£30) with moderate driving.

Heater takes a while to get warm,but at 70 deg. it clears ok-How do I check to see if the stat's still there/looks ok?

o,hang on,ive got a haynes manual at home,I'll look at that at the weekend

 

[J333EVO]

I would say if it runs about 70'c its doing what its meant to. I tried my car with no thermo to test how good the rest of the system is at cooling, and it didn't even move onto the scale, sat right on the bottom which is what 50'c, and this was with a turbo in summer, no heaters at all, just warm at best. 90'c in traffic is normal as the fan is set to come on at 92'c off at 87'c which would look about 90'c on the gauge, therefore again as it should be.

THe other thing is at this time of year and with the changeable weather we have had people tend to jump into the car and stick the heaters on which in turn means the engine takes longer to heat up, 5 miles of driving is hardly a long time, how ling does that take you 10mins as best, thats the way it should be, your car is running fine so stop worrying.

Aaron.

 

[sumplug]

easiest way to check for airlocks is to wait until the fan cuts in,then feel how hot the bottom pipe is.if its tepid along one end,you have an airlock.i would say its ok as it is.when hot,is the heater hot also?

 

[Liam]

I agree with Aaron (J333 EVO), sounds perfect to me.

Liam

 

[Sonic2]

Ok,I see your point,but if I dont use the heater then the guage has been going down as low as 55 degrees and the car is getting really sluggish then,it just doesnt seem right.

When its hot,yes the heater works well,just that a lot of the time I get condensation in the windows as the car isnt getting up to a reasonable temp.

Ive got a feeling it might use a little bit of coolant if it was stuck in traffic for ages but its a 10 year old car,so its bound too. But when in traffic and at 90 deg for example you'll see mist coming out the vents where the heater matrix is,Is that normal?

I just get the impression 55 degrees is way too cool for an engine to be running at,and the lack of power makes it feel like its not right too

Is it possible for an engine to run so cool and it wont cause any damage?

 

[J333EVO]

I just get the impression 55 degrees is way too cool for an engine to be running at,and the lack of power makes it feel like its not right too

Is it possible for an engine to run so cool and it wont cause any damage?

Yes 55'c is too cold, but you never mentioned that in first post. Therefore the ans' you got referred to that, therefore are you now saying that it doesn't sit at 70'c but in fact at 55'c?

You also do not state how far you are driving your car, if it is for lots of short journeys then yes it will never be warm enough to burn off the condensation in the air, or let the engine achieve its optimum heat range.

It is also a fact that if you do not clean your windows regularly then grim builds up, grim in turn attracts moisture which in turn attracts more grim, so to keep clear windows, clean regularly and do not ever try and rub them with your hands to clear as this leaves grease on the windows, which makes it worse next time you get in.

If you are losing coolant and it’s as cold as 55'c then there is something wrong and as it appears you do not have much mechanical knowledge go and get someone to check it out for you.

Aaron.

 

[Sonic2]

Well it only goes down to 55 degrees sometimes. Typically its about 70. But,there has been a lot of standing water around where ive been driving,so im wondering if thats the reason

Im doing 35 mile journeys and use the heaters to clear the screen.

Guess its off to the garage again. Or a new car,think ive spent enough on it already

 

[Sonic2]

Well judging by whats been said and reading previous posts i'll try replacing the thermostat first as its an easy job and for the years me and my dad have owned the car the stats never been replaced and its seen 90k now.

Then if that doesnt help it'll go to the garage