Technical modified thermostat problems

[cartledge_uk]

I used the guide to modify my stat a while ago (https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecen...nq-sei-stat-cooler-running-gt-switch-mod.html)

But after my h/g change and new rad the car permanently ran too cool ruining MPG, and making the car sluggish.

I thought that maybe the stat was stuck open, so today in a spare 5 mins, whipped it off to check, all appeared closed?? so tested it, blocked the hole in the housing with silicone, then filled the stat housing with cool water, it showd the seal was useless leaking all the water away, so I replaced the old stat innards, and tried again, no leaks. plummed it all up, put it on the car and it runs fine now.

Anyone else have the problem of the modded stat not sealing properly?

 

[fingers99]

But why did you mod it? On a non turbo car it's massive overkill.

 

[cartledge_uk]

because I'm renound for blowing/killing engines (record is 3 race engines in 6 weeks), any help to increase longevity is usually taken.

Back to std now though

 

[fingers99]

I'd guess that the issues were around non closure, so effectively you were running without a stat.

I've now got the original prototype low temp thermostat and one of the production ones (imported from Greece through Asteris) as a back up.

 

[cartledge_uk]

I'd guess that the issues were around non closure, so effectively you were running without a stat.

Yep, it wasn't sealing 100%, maybe 80% at estimate, which was a pain, I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem

 

[cinq117]

Why is it a massive over kill on non turbo engines??? sorry iam just a bit curious to why.

Ricky

 

[fingers99]

Well, turbo Cinqs knock out twice as much power and therefore twice as much heat as a stock NA motor, so they need all the help they can get.

There's an argument that most engines make better power with a low temp thermostat, but it's really only applicable to race engines.

Fit one to a stock motor and you're likely to just use a bit more fuel.

 

[cinq117]

would there be any implications if used on a N/A motor? i thought it would be a good idea on a cinq sport as they regularly run i thought a bit hot.

 

[fingers99]

It'll probably drink a bit more fuel, but a bigger worry is that the oil may warm up slower. This will increase engine wear.

I find the cooling fine, unless there are problems: my 1241 seems never to go over 90 (which is fine) until you turn the engine off (heat soak) and my Sei nevert overheated in 4 years and through 2 heatwaves.

 

[cinq117]

cheers for that i can see the logic with the oil taking longer to heat thus causing increase engine wear.

 

[allanhelen]

The cooling on Cento's is not the best but should be good enough in normal conditions

However on my NA cinq i have seen high temps in mine especially in low gear work steep hills etc. Now I run a std stat in my NA cinq but run an oil cooler with a thermostatic sandwich plate i personally think that this is a much better (but much more expensive) solution and have no cooling issues in any conditions.

Only in standing trafic in warm weather do i ever have the fan cutting in and the car runs a nice steady 85 degrees most of the time

 

[fingers99]

Yeah, the stat plate really is a must or the engine oil will be way too cool most of the time.

I still prefer the idea of a laminova type oil/water heat exchanger, which will actually warm the oil up at first (but will also put additional stress on the water side of the system as temperatures rise).

 

[cinq117]

what row oil cooler would you suggest for a modifield 1.1 N/A ?

 

[fingers99]

I wouldn't. I'd talk to Think Automotive (and have a rough bhp figure in your head). But I'd guess 11 or 13 row.

 

[allanhelen]

It's a cost and space thing really, the bigger the oil cooler the quicker it cools and the more it costs.

If you check Aarons oil cooler post i run the same one as that which is for a turbo so is ott for an NA but fits nicely behind the bumper at the passenger side (with the oval hole opened up) and if you have a thermostatic plate that makes sure you don't overcool. This also leaves plenty of room for more power upgrades in the future.

A word of warning though some sandwich plates mean you may not be able to run a std filter and might have to go for the R5GT or Clio williams ones (or anything with an M20 thread that will fit TBO)

Even if you don't do anything else to the car you will be able to sell the cooler on if you change the car in the future