Coolant and Radiator and Stat

[mikeonb4c]

I've no idea why your observations should be different...I just know that the movement of the needle and the stat opening/closing are not related.

The needle reaches 11'o clock at about 55C and it does then NOT move until the coolant temp reaches around 110c........during this "dead needle" period the stat is doing its thing without affecting the needle at all........do the FREE gauge mod and you will see exactly when the stat opens/closes (as I suspect you can with the Mason fitted.

I'm just putting my views across and as they are in agreement with another respected member and are built on our observations and experience, I post them (even if they were wrong)

Thanks Haydn.

But there is a serious point here. I've seen something happen, and it does need explaining. Also (and the K series article is just one thing that appears to confirm this, with its discussion of dynamic effects) the rate at which hot water reaches the sensor (and thus the rate of change of signal to the temp gauge) is quite likely to be influenced by how cleanly and rapidly the stat. opens. The change from 10 mins to 5 mins is harder to explain unless perhaps, the stat for some reason of other is not closing fully. But it was still observed to happen and it would be good to have an explanation.

Please keep posting.

[haydn callow]

OK.

but facts are facts..
11'o clock is reached at 55/60C (cylinder head temp..within 2C of coolant temp)
Stat starts to open at 82C
Stat fully open at 90C
Gauge moves off 11'clock at about 110C

Logic tells me that the stat opening/closing has no effect on the gauge movement of a standard gauge.

The "free" gauge mod is well worth doing and is very easy to do. Free instructions from the website below and also the small resistor required.

[haydn callow]

when you replaced the stat you must have replaced a lot of coolant......if this was a differant mix then it wouldn't be suprising if it had a effect on the speed of the warm up cycle

[mikeonb4c]

when you replaced the stat you must have replaced a lot of coolant......if this was a differant mix then it wouldn't be suprising if it had a effect on the speed of the warm up cycle

That's a possibility. If can find more time, I'll try and do more R&R to get to the bottom of it

[missfixit70]

As has already been suggested, it could be the old stat wasn't sealing properly?

[mikeonb4c]

As has already been suggested, it could be the old stat wasn't sealing properly?

That could well be it. Gets tired and doesnt seal as well, or with as much force, as it did?

[mikexgough]

when you replaced the stat you must have replaced a lot of coolant......if this was a differant mix then it wouldn't be suprising if it had a effect on the speed of the warm up cycle

That's a possibility. If can find more time, I'll try and do more R&R to get to the bottom of it

Don't forget, warm up depends also on the ambient temperature as suggested previously........

[mikexgough]

Mike? Whaddya reckon to me opening up the coolant release nozzles (not just the bleed hose) whilst dropping the coolant? Would that just be asking for trouble? (i.e disturbing something that hasn't been touched in gawd knows how long) Or should i simply do the usual and release the bottom hose from the rad?

Ste. Just do as Masabee does and as Kirsty suggested, take off the rear heater hoses( i always take this chance to replace the hose clips too if not already done) and the Rad hoses too....... if your also replacing hoses with silicone hoses then thats another entry point for flushing too......don't disturb too much else as your having the Thermostat out...... give it a good flushing through, as you have used Car Plan Red before a good clean water flush should suffice unless you see something untoward in your dropped coolant....

You can get a brilliant Coolant Flush from Forte', trade only though but I can get some easily, that removes all the gel and sludge which happens when coolant is mixed ..... I'm sure you wont need that but I might get some in and let the members that would like some to have some at cost price, what do you think? They do a cooling system conditioner too....Anyway must stop rambling, I don't need to talk bleeding with you as you've got that one sorted between you and David......

[mikeonb4c]

when you replaced the stat you must have replaced a lot of coolant......if this was a differant mix then it wouldn't be suprising if it had a effect on the speed of the warm up cycle

That's a possibility. If can find more time, I'll try and do more R&R to get to the bottom of it

Don't forget, warm up depends also on the ambient temperature as suggested previously........

You're right, but I've got that one covered in my observations (basically, the before and after was immediately noticeable despite no change in weather or journey type etc.).

[mikexgough]

sounds like time for a change then Mike...

[mikeonb4c]

sounds like time for a change then Mike...

Huh? Change what? I already did my stat. last time. Coolant change is overdue though

[rita]

Hi daveblueozzie,

Could you tell me what you have your Masson alarm set at.

thanks

[mikexgough]

Hi daveblueozzie,

Could you tell me what you have your Masson alarm set at.

thanks

Can't speak for Dave, but mine is set to the default 4 and never gone off

[daveblueozzie]

Hi daveblueozzie,

Could you tell me what you have your Masson alarm set at.

thanks

mine is set just a tad under 5, but i do tow a small caravan every now and then.

[bigdaddycain]

You've got me curious now Ste, coolant release nozzles? whassat then?
When I've done it, I've dropped the coolant from the rear heater hoses, big hoses both sides of the rad as well as opening up the rad drain & bleed hose, chemical flush & then flushing freshwater up through all the above mentioned points in both directions.
As I've said before with the coolant, if in doubt, especially on a new import, I'd drain it, chemical flush it, freshwater flush it & new stat as a minimum, which I think agrees with most of the above

And i couldn't help but add a little japanese translated text....

Find first cock of the radiator. We are not looking hard and not translation (it's not in the works), Oh, Arujan! In that, you pull out a loose cock . Still fine! Receivable hours -

The text above doesn't add to the context of this thread... I just found it rather humorous!