Engine Temperature

[jeeves]

On a 60 mile trip Monday temp gauge went to zero over the last 10 miles cooling fan came on. The OBD read 128 on our arrival.Checked water level on Tues morning had to add about one litre of coolant,no visible leak. The temp whilst running now is between 94 and 103 mostly showing 100 is this too high? Water level unchanged after a further 80 miles Your thoughts would be appreciated its a 1.8t done 91000 miles

[Nick Greg]

Mines been playing silly beggars too recently. Always have OBD on when driving (OCDC maybe). 1.8 Turbo engine. Mostly its at 94-97, then in standing traffic creeps up to maybe 103-105. Last week started getting up to 111. Checked coolant popped around a litre in. Now settled down again. Is the coolant level THAT sensitive. I think I am losing coolant somewhere so will get that checked. Funny thing is, when stationary and it creeps up to say 105 ish if I knock it into neutral (its an auto) and rev the engine a bit temperature then climbs down again. Don't really understand how it works really! Its always lost a bit of coolant despite many hose tightenings, new hoses, T piece, radiator etc etc. water pump check - you name it I've done it. Maybe a small pinhole somewhere and it loses coolant under pressure? No mayo in engine etc etc. Mystery to me. Love the car though.

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by jeeves

On a 60 mile trip Monday temp gauge went to zero over the last 10 miles cooling fan came on. The OBD read 128 on our arrival.Checked water level on Tues morning had to add about one litre of coolant,no visible leak. The temp whilst running now is between 94 and 103 mostly showing 100 is this too high? Water level unchanged after a further 80 miles Your thoughts would be appreciated its a 1.8t done 91000 miles

You're very lucky to get away without killing your engine.--

The temp gauge is there for a reason.---

It means STOP and check your engine. By carrying on you risk cooking and ruining it.-----

If it stays at 100 you have survived the dreaded blown head gasket.---

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by jeeves

... temp gauge went to zero over the last 10 miles cooling fan came on.

That usually indicates a fault in the temperature sender wiring but check that your fan's slow speed works by doing the demist test. 100 degrees is normal when stationary in traffic for some time but should fall to the low nineties when on the move.

Originally Posted by Nick Greg

... when stationary and it creeps up to say 105 ish if I knock it into neutral (its an auto) and rev the engine a bit temperature then climbs down again.

It sounds like an air lock. Did you use the official procedure when refilling and bleeding after your repair work?

Simon

[jeeves]

Thanks for the comments the temp when running seems to stay close to 100 all the tlme now. Only fairly recently had a new matrix, thermostat and IMG the water level has not moved .Don't usually run with OBD on heater seems ok I wonder why it should suddenly use a litre of coolant

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by jeeves

Only fairly recently had a new - thermostat

Questions, questions:
Why was it replaced? What type is it? What temperature did it run at before?

TC

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by jeeves

.. the temp when running seems to stay close to 100 all the tlme now. Only fairly recently had a new matrix, thermostat and IMG ... I wonder why it should suddenly use a litre of coolant

Possibly because after the repairs the cooling system wasn't refilled and bled according to the official MGR procedure. Alternatively your cooling system may not be completely sealed which causes unstable temperatures and coolant ejection.

Simon

[jeeves]

The thermostat was replaced garage said not closing temperature never got above 75 no heater since changed all been ok til now done a few thousand miles I did run the OBD after the thermostat change ran at 92 to 95 whilst moving up to 100 stationery

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by jeeves

The thermostat was replaced garage said not closing temperature never got above 75°C

I've never heard of a thermostat that doesn't close, but there you go.
Does your '03 Turbo have a PRT?

TC

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

I've never heard of a thermostat that doesn't close, but there you go.

Yes you have T-Cut, on the M47R engine!

I've also experienced it with my A series engines.

Simon