1.8 Running Temperature Question
 

I have just replaced my thermostat and radiator. Using the obd (19 then 7) my engine heats up quickly and runs at 93-96c, depending on speed, with 99 showing when idling in slow moving or stopped traffic.
Are these temperatures ok?
Kaloz

Nope, too hot!

Are you running the PRT thermostat?

No, It’s in the original position.
Have run the car for 10 miles or so for three days, with one journey of 60 miles. 93 has been the usual temperature, but the engine has smelt of hot water afterwards, which did not seem right.
What should the temperature be, and what should I do to achieve that?
After this problem I will PM you about a T4 session

Yes Nigel, they couldn't be better.

Regarding the smell of "hot water", check that you haven't filled the expansion tank above the 'Max' tab visible inside. After the repair work did you refill and bleed the system exactly as specified by MG Rover?

Simon

Yes it is just above the mark, all the ridges are showing though. I will extract some coolant.
The system was filled as specified by MG Rover, temperature checked using the obd. Couldn’t get the fan to come on; coolant temperature peaked at 96. Left overnight and rechecked/refilled, to find there was a leak at the thermostat housing.
System removed, redone, refilled as specified- to find a red streak of coolant dripping half way down the radiator.
System removed, replaced, refilled as specified. Temperature again peaked at 96. Left to cool, coolant level checked ok, and has remained at this level for the three days I have used the car.
Top and bottom hoses were replaced. Interestingly, the bottom hose has a plastic joint to separate the two halves of that hose-not one unit like the original (from Rimmer Bros) so it would not be to difficult to fit a PRT thermostat.
Did consider this but couldn’t work out the plumbing arrangements.

My 1.8t - runs at 90-94 depending on road conditions and ambient temp - only see 95 and above in stop start conditions or when held in traffic .:}

Are you sure there isn't a PRT in that lower joint already? Having 2 thermostats would play havoc with your temperature.:cool:

I have wondered about that, but as I bought a new bottom hose from Rimmer Bros and fitted it I am sure that they did not give me something for nothing. There is a plastic joining fitting for the bottom hose , but it had all the pipe work in place to suit what it was replacing.

Took the car out today for a long run- one and a half hours out and two and a half on return due to traffic jams in Boston. I had reduced to coolant in the header tank to the maximum mark. Engine sat at 93 apart from when accelerating when the temperature moved to 94 and then back to 93.
The temperature on the return trip was the same until we attempted to travel through Boston when it moved to 99. Faster travel moved the temperature back down steadily to 93. I will get this engine checked out to be sure it is safe.
Thank you all for your input, it is much appreciated.

That's good news Nigel. Your fan won't start until 104˚C so don't worry about that. My KV6 is the same as yours; normal temperatures are in the low nineties unless the car is stationary.
No need to get the engine checked Nigel, from what you've said it's running perfectly. :D

Simon