Cerbera overheating after looking for oil leak

[TheRainMaker]

I've had a similar problem with mine, it turned out to be a duff radiator cap, might be worth ordering one of those as well.

[wurgle]

Well some good news for once. It seems the advice to check for water spurting out the bleed valve when you rev it a little was good.

I'd got it booked at Neil G's for a diagnostic report; last thing I want is a popped cylinder head gasket trying to be clever and DIY and as promised the thermostat arrived from Racetech. Getting there (I live only about a mile away) the car had just about got to 50oC so after a brief chat we opted to go for it and change the valve as if he got it hot to check it it would have to cool down and... Yes I can change the thermostat and bleed it myself but having got there this seemed reasonable.

So cut a long story short it was a stuck shut thermostat and we're back on the road. As far as I can see coincidental and nothing to do with lifting the front to change disks and pads and look underneath.

A new stat and 1 hour labour to satisfy my paranoia.

New thermostat from Racetech feels good as its very well made as far as I can see and if it fails you can remove the passenger front wheel and whip the lid off and bin the failed stat top the lost fluid up with lemonade and get home, well that's my theory.

Attached are some pictures and it gives a good clue to the 3 pipe thermostat's operation.









Thanks to all for the tips and advice.
Wurgle

[wurgle]

Ah yes - before I forget - my rad just has a bolt to bleed it - no cap as far as I can see. Thanks again everyone.

[ukkid35]

That housing looks great, and presumably a standard cartridge resides within, so changing it becomes a much easier job. However since it's £180 it might have to wait a while.

[Revvit]

ukkid35 said:

That housing looks great, and presumably a standard cartridge resides within, so changing it becomes a much easier job. However since it's £180 it might have to wait a while.

I'm certain I have seen this thermostat housing referred to on an Alfa Romeo forum. It was nowhere near £180 as I thought about trying one out. Just need to find it again

[Revvit]

Might have been Lancia, will have a search.

[wurgle]

I think the stock part is a Lancia part
http://www.alexjudd.com/cerbera/parts/

I forgot the VAT when I purchased this (oops). It is ahum rather expensive isn't it :-(

There are two alternative stats that go in, the stock temperature one which I got and a low temperature opening one which is aimed at track days. Not sure why that helps as once open the car will run at the same temperature unless yout track-daying in Oulu in winter.

[ukkid35]

Revvit said:

I'm certain I have seen this thermostat housing referred to on an Alfa Romeo forum. It was nowhere near £180 as I thought about trying one out. Just need to find it again

My calculation included the housing, thermostat, shipping and VAT - because it all counts.

If you can find it for less then please do share - thanks.