In Line Thermostat mod not working

[hbcmike]

Hi all. Did the in line mod as the car was running at around 70 degrees (used a triangular file on the metal band btw, easy enough). Used the recommended thermostat from Gates.

The car still runs at around 70 degrees, so no improvement. It does appear to warm quite quickly, although no definitive testing done. I took the top hose off again (when cooled) and filled the end of the hose above the thermostat with water. The water flowed through the thermostat - it seems not to fully seat. If I pull on the end of the stat, I can close it, but push it open again and it doesn't seat.

Does this sound normal or may I have a duff stat? Any advice 'warmly' appreciated!

Mike

[Froggy-Mk2]

I have done this mod and my running temp is ~around 80 degC, not as hot as I had hoped for although definitely warmer. From your description I tend to think that your stat is duff, certainly dubious. I reckon its worth getting another one and confirming it opens and closes ok using saucepan, hot water and thermometer before fitting it.
Roger

[kaiser]

Hang on, the running temperature could well be in the seventies, even with a perfect stat. It all depends on the ambient conditions such as load, speed, temperature and the use of the heater.

If it is cold, the speed is high, downhill and the heater used at full, the car will run cool, even though the thermostat is fully closed.

So, as a first, switch the heater off and see if the temperature comes up a bit. If needed, block part of the air intake in front off when really cold.

the thermostat however should sit fully, if not, replace

[wutang]

kaiser is right, even on the kv6 in cold weather if you monitor the temp using the dash diagnostics you will be quit suprised how much cooling the heater can provide. i should imagine on a diesel the heater could provide all the cooling needed in cold weather.

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by hbcmike

I took the top hose off again (when cooled) and filled the end of the hose above the thermostat with water. The water flowed through the thermostat - it seems not to fully seat.

If there's a small jiggle pin/air bleed hole in the outer plate it will slowly drain through. But that would be obvious so I guess it must be something else.
Assuming this test was done with the stat cold using cold water, then the stat is no good. Did you have to apply much force getting it into the hose? Excessive force could buckle the annular valve seat and it will not work.

TC

[hbcmike]

Thanks for the thoughts. I'll check the stat out this w/e. For info, the car stat was open as the top hose and radiator were warm. Certainly, the temp dropped on light load to about mid 60s, but never climbed above 73, even with uphill and then idling, high electrical load and a/c on cold to load the engine.

I'll also contact the suppliers, Rock Auto, and see if they're willing to replace.

I'll let you know. Thanks.

Mike

[DMGRS]

Did you fit an 88 degree stat or an 82 degree model?

I fitted an 88 in my last 75, oh so toasty. Fitted an 82 in this one, and it runs considerably cooler.

eBay, £6.

[T-Cut]

You can get Renault 5 in-hose thermostats in a wide range of settings. They go down to at least 83C, maybe lower. Needless to say these are of little use in this application. You must confirm the stat setting before purchasing one. I seem to remember you can find 89C, which is what I'd fit if I had a diesel.

TC

[MrDoodles]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

I seem to remember you can find 89C, which is what I'd fit if I had a diesel.

Have to agree! :xmas-smiley-029:

[. hammer]

Just to clarify - an older post on here listed the wrong stat. Have you fitted the Gates TH01489? I recently fitted this model and the difference was remarkable.