Radiator thermostat?

[nik8]

I've got a 1.8 16v 1996 and for a while now I've found the engine temp not getting above 1/4 on the gauge whilst driving. In summer it gets higher than winter. Whilst idling it will rise to 1/2 and the fan will kick in.

I assume this is a problem with my radiator thermostat? My current solution is to stick a cardboard sheet in front of the radiator! but I want to fix it cos I guess it's not good to run at low temp...

Where do I get a new one? Recommended mail order? I can probably fit it myself or a local guy I use will do it if it requires more than a basic tool kit

thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Mine stays just under half all the time. The temperature will get higher in Summer due to the warmer air than in winter.

Sounds normal.

 

[Anonymous]

silly sausage!

im the same its strange, my body gets colder in the winter than in the summer, i think i'll go wrap myself in cardboard right away!

 

[nik8]

errrr. no, I mean that if I don't put this bit of card in front and especially during winter, the temp NEVER goes above 1/4 and if I stick the heater on it drops to 1/8 sometimes if it's really cold. So this isn't right because it USED to stay at 1/2 all the time.

The card is to stop me freezing my nuts off and to keep the engine hot as I'm sure it's bad for it to run fast at low temp

 

[Anonymous]

could just be colder winters? it really is normal to have a v-low temp in the winter, winter air will be even colder during driving due to the wind chill factor
for example:
A 30° day with a wind speed of 40 miles per hour will feel equivalent to a 13° day.

due to the heat being radianted away like magic!

your magic cardboard keeps that wind away.

 

[nik8]

I'm sure it used to run at 1/2 temp all the time, summer or winter. My understanding of the cooling system is that the thermostat opens and closes a valve to the radiator. If the coolent is cold (eg at start) it will stop coolent from entering the radiator and thus from being cooled more. As the coolent warms up to the optimal temp, the value opens to allow the radiator to regulate temp. I think my valve is open all the time :-0

What is the normal operating temp of the coolent as indicated by the gauge (in winter say)?

 

[Anonymous]

not sure but the colder it is, the colder the liquid in the system will be due to the liquid being cooled in the radiator. its the cold air which keeps this liquid cool so the lower the outside temp the lower the radatior temp so the lower temp of the liquid cooling ure engine hence the lower guage reading

 

[Tom]

This is why the engine has a thermostat. The thermostat is there to keep the engine at a constant temp no matter what the air temp is.

Low engine temps lead to worse MPG and more engine wear.

The temp guage should read just under half way no matter if its -10 outside or +30.

 

[Anonymous]

so why on a hot day in traffic does it go well above the halfway point?

 

[Tom]

Cos the car isn't moving so the radiator isn't working.

 

[dave o r]

The thermostat is seized slightly or fully open.

Get it fixed if you want better economy, or in my case - my gf was shivering, shivering leads to complaining etc etc haha.

The main reason I replied - years ago my father tried the same cardboard covering a rad trick and reckons that it damaged the rad. Apparently it leaked badly. Probably overheated some elements (if thats the right term) while sitting in traffic.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello niki, think I share the problem you have.

Can i ask if your car idle's ok whilst warming up or is it a bit 'chuggy'?

Thanks Chris

 

[Buzz]

I have the same on my 1.8

my last bravo always went to halfway, then stopped dead.
Anyone know if its easy to fix/replace the thermostat, and can it be a DIY job. i'm poor, as always

Buzz (formerly LightWarrior)
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
Owner of the Bravo 1.8
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