Technical Advice

[Jonna83]

Ok i've already read the overheating post but after doing 180miles in the last 2 days i've notice the cinq is not happy going a constant 80 the temp gauge starts 2 rise to about 110 C if i put the blowers on it drops to 90 C again. I dnt like it running this hot obviously and theres a few long haul trips its going on this summer so any idea's? Ill b taking off the front bumper soon do u think i shud flush my Radiator again(i done it about a year ago)? Or do u think the water pump is on its way out of the thermostat. I kno the cinqs coolong system is S**T but it was never this bad last year.

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari

 

[HP]

Try a new thermostat, expansion bottle cap and maybe some Radflush (can be had from Halfords or motor shops).

First off, try bleeding the system through the little bleed screws in case you've got air trapped.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cinqs_and_Seis/
http://www.clubcento.co.uk/

 

[Jonna83]

Do i bleed it till water starts pissing out i guess? think ill flush the system again cheap and easy job. How hard is it 2 fit new thermostat? BTW u really r the Guru of all things cento

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari

 

[CentoEvo]

Pete a question for you.
I have recently installed a water temp gauge after it overheated so i can keep an eye on things.
When cruising at a constant speed its around 85-90 and the fan cuts in around 105, does this seem right to you??

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
Who cares about my post count - it's all about quality not quantity!!
(at least thats what i tell myself anyway)

 

[John H]

If that stat is similar to the last couple I've fitted to Pandas the fully open temp is 87 - this number is moulded into the casing.

Yes, the fan usually cuts in about 105.


I'll wait for Pete to comment on the Stat changing as I don't know how much is different on the Cinq..

 

[HP]

The 'stat is easy enough to change if you've drained the system down. Access is better if you lift the ignition coils out of the way first though. Open the bleed screws (2 of) until water comes out, yep.

The temp thing, Fiat have done an odd one here as every other car I've worked on always has the temp sensor mounted right next to the thermostat, but Fire engines have them on the opposite end of the head. This will give some unexpected readings, as you're controlling it in a different place to where you're measuring it (bad process design!!) If in queue traffic, the fan on mine first cuts in at about 95, then the temp does seem to drift up a little to 105 or so.

Short answer - yes it's normal!

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cinqs_and_Seis/
http://www.clubcento.co.uk/

 

[Jonna83]

That snd's the same as me but mine gets nearer 110 C. IS there anyway u cud fit a biger radiator? from say an Uno surely that cud help or mayby fit another fan and have a switch in the cabin? just a couple of ideas. Btw had my 1st electrical fault last nite lost the instrument panel and indicators while driving home only fuse had gone tho

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari

 

[HP]

I have been told that you can have a cinq or sei radiator 'double cored' which improves the efficiency. No idea how much it'd cost mind.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cinqs_and_Seis/
http://www.clubcento.co.uk/

 

[Jonna83]

So we have 2 live with the barely adequte cooling system fiat have supplied hmm suppose i cud take the bonnet off and c it that helps

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari

 

[HP]

I've taken a small piece of the rubber seal out from the back of the engine bay (runs across the width of the bulkhead, touches the back of the bonnet when closed) to get a through-flow when you're on the move. Not really sure if it helps, but you can feel the heat coming up.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cinqs_and_Seis/
http://www.clubcento.co.uk/

 

[CentoEvo]

I've done this after Pete recommended it, it must work as when i put the heater on to suck in cold air from outside you get warm air from the engine as the vents just below the wiper.
Oh well can't have everything

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
Who cares about my post count - it's all about quality not quantity!!
(at least thats what i tell myself anyway)

 

[martinrossbrown]

There's always the 1/2 arsed solution involving sticking the vents to 'windscreen heat' and the blowers to 'boiling hot', the hot air isn't really noticeable when it comes through these vents if you've got the window open.

BTW my fan kicks in at around 90c, nice and conservative.

Here's to living away from traffic jams eh?



I can see the top of my car in the car park...

 

[Jonna83]

Ahh yes i do this already i traffic but last thursaday and fridday i drove 90miles having to do it bit irritating really

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari