The way to test is when the cars moving to get best results, on idle it can reach normal and above, but you may find it won't reach 88 when moving ;)

Russ

Agree with Russ.
The only sure way to test stat is at 50 MPH in Top Gear.
Should reach and maintain 88C pretty much regardless of ambient temp.

M47 Diesels don't produce enough heat at idle to reach operating temp.

HI Russ/Jules will do much appreciated for your help will test over the next few days :shrug: Arctic

My Gates arrived yesterday, will fit over the weekend and see how things work out.I get temps of 80-82 max. and about 42MPG on average. Time will tell.

Of course the gates arrived in a box big enough for an alternator-so was well packed. Took a week to get here though.

My Gates Thermostat arrived again today :shrug: someone must have double packed it,:getmecoat: or sent the order out twice i wonder if tomorrow will bring another my wife always says thing come in three's :shrug:as you state packed in a box big enough to hold about 20 if not more.

Hi chaps, I'm just catching up on this thread, but i'm struggling with comprehending it.

Can someone please explain the point of fitting an extra thermostat to the car, and how this mod works?

I can see it is a popular mod, and if it benefits the running and/or mpg i'll certainly do it too.

Cheers

Ordered my Gates stat from Rockauto
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1862100
yesterday about midday and it arrived 9:30 am this morning - brilliant service!

(and yes, bloomin great big box)

Two reasons for fitting - failure of the original (they tend to fail in the open position) or replacing the original to try and get an increase in running temperature for better running efficiency and a warmer cabin in cold weather.

The problem is the M47R engine runs relatively cool on light loads. Also the original thermostat is not easy to get to as, coming from BMW, the engine was derived from a rear wheel inline set up, not front wheel drive transverse as fitted to our cars.

So although in many cases the original failed thermostat is left in place this is a replacement thermostat not an extra one.

If you have the time this thread is a very interesting read right from the start - not sure its definitive yet though! :D

Mike

im waiting for my gates stat orderd it from a different company cost me £12 deliverd from the mainland this one is going to be fitted into helens 75 as mine i had a new stat of jules for mine

Well its a lovely day so i decided to get this 'stat fitted. the problem i had cutting the band i found was actually cutting from front to rear which damaged the hose because of the lip on the plastic housing.
So anyone about to do the job, take care and cut the band from the back toward the front which is flat, hope that makes sense!
took the car for a new tyre, a 3 mile trip with the diagnostics on and the temp reached 82c, better than its 74c max before. Soon see what the mpg goes to next week when its filled!:)

Eric