General Coolant temp?

[Petran]

How quickly will your cars warm? I think my Fiat Ducato 2.3 Multijet 120 -09 (motorhome) takes a long time to normal operating temperature. Can run well long before it will be good.

Could it be my thermostat, which is open all the time or what is normal?

As I scanned through the OBD socket so come on up to 77-78 degrees max (middle of the scale). When I searched for a new thermostat that spare it says 82 degrees I think.

It does not feel quite right.

 

[rolopolo]

How long is a long time?
Have you timed it from stone cold to gauge showing @ middle of gauge

 

[rayc]

Mine takes about a mile of normal driving to get the gauge to its settled position which is mid way. I have had two 2.3's and a 3L and all have been like that. If you let it idle from start up then I have found it will not raise the gauge at all.

 

[rolopolo]

Agree with Rayc
On idle it won't rise, if when hot and left to idle the temp will drop to about a quarter on the gauge, that's all normal
I would say anything around 5 mins from stone cold to normal operating temp (heater getting warm) another few mins for heater to get hot)

Depends on how you drive it to I would guess

When stone cold I personally drive it very steady until warm, but then mines on 341000 miles, thrashing from cold won't do it any good, new or old,
I was told once the heat dissipates through the block etc quite rapidly on these iveco engines which will make heating up slightly longer,

 

[Petran]

Thanks!
I have to measure from the start until it comes to the middle of the meter. But one miles is not enough, probably 4-5 until half. My old Volvo XC 70 warms up quickly and then ok after a mile.

With a longer tour in December so we had to have the warmth of the living area for the car's heat is not enough to car parts.

What I have heard is a diesel sensitive to going too warm but 78-82 degrees seem low?

 

[rayc]

Perhaps you could consider a 12v cab ceramic heater?
You could fit a Truma Secumotion gas regulator which would allow you to use the on board gas heating whilst driving.

 

[lm04]

A motorhome is a vehicle that although driven occasionally - is one that is treated as 'fully loaded' as a base vehicle 'Van'. (weight, body, aerodynamacy)

One that is running a couple of degrees below normal is a small price to pay. They will usually fluctuate as you strain the engine up and down hills etc. In summer, you have heat and higher traffic levels - a cool running engine isn't a bad thing.

The Ducato also has a very efficeint oil cooler - they run very cool, and usually don't get hot enough on MOT's

If you are worried about temperature, run before you leave. couple of miles isn't drastic.

 

[Petran]

Thanks!
I run with it even in the winter, it's just a bit annoying that the heat comes so slowly. Otherwise, it is apparently only advantages.

On longer trips in the winter so the Truma heater on because we want it a little comfortable when stopping for coffee and so on. I trust in the system and my own sense of smell But it may be an idea to make the system safer, type Secumotion.

I'll measure the distance shortly we will see ...

 

[corcai]

Thanks!
I run with it even in the winter, it's just a bit annoying that the heat comes so slowly. Otherwise, it is apparently only advantages.

On longer trips in the winter so the Truma heater on because we want it a little comfortable when stopping for coffee and so on. I trust in the system and my own sense of smell But it may be an idea to make the system safer, type Secumotion.

I'll measure the distance shortly we will see ...

I winter I use a piece of corrugated plastic from an election poster to block off half the radiator otherwise it can take 20km to get good heat in the heater.

 

[lm04]

Thanks!
I run with it even in the winter, it's just a bit annoying that the heat comes so slowly. Otherwise, it is apparently only advantages.

On longer trips in the winter so the Truma heater on because we want it a little comfortable when stopping for coffee and so on. I trust in the system and my own sense of smell But it may be an idea to make the system safer, type Secumotion.

I'll measure the distance shortly we will see ...

Don't drive with the Truma on and rely on smelling gas if it blows out. You are travelling at speed, and any gas leaking would be sucked out and rearwards and not near your nose at the front. Gas sinks also, so will fill from the floor. By the time the van was filled enough to be anywhere near your nose, you would indicate to pull over and that will be the last thing you will ever do.

There is also the accident risk, a bottle turned on a flowing is a bomb if a car or lorry should hit with any force, or knock off the regulator.

The ARE types around that do have the sheild and flame-out device live when travelling (most auto reignition systems are turned off when vehicle is in motion, so gas goes out - it won't re-ignite)

Corcai's suggestion is your best option. Make a cover for your rad that you can put on until it warms up. You can make it as genuine looking as you like, a few twist clips attached to your grill and some black plastic to attach would look authentic.

Until then, warm engine - even use truma to warm whilst stationary - and the turn Truma OFF before driving away. The engine heater would have warmed by the time the heat dissipates.