K series engine temps

[stinkysteve]

Gents,

I know there's a load of discussion been had about this but bear with me please! I need your help!

On a recent thread - "overheating k-series" http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

fears about running temperatures were discussed but i think the OP had a sensor problem.

I posted about mine running at 93-96 and it was perceived this way too high. I tend to agree and in addition it's using a little water.

So i'm planning to get into it this weekend and try to see what's going on. It may be the temps and water loss are unrelated. (sensor and leaky rad?)

So, looking for some knowledge, headed over to seloc techwiki.

It states there normal running temp for a S2 k, no mods is 96-97!

I'm guessing this info was gathered from users of the cars, and before i start looking for a solution, i need to know if I have a problem.

I know we get twitchy about the stack display in degrees, more so those of us with a K, but does anyone else running a standard K S2 run at anywhere near this?

(obviously if not then techwiki is wrong)

cheers for the help guys, i know engine temp is a boring subject!

[stinkysteve]

Here's the link to the relevant. Note S1 and derivatives are different!

http://wiki.seloc.org/a/Normal_running_temperature

[kambites]

My S2 111S sits on 86 degrees if I'm moving. If I stop, it drifts up to around 100 and then the fans cut in and it comes down again.

[stinkysteve]

Cheers kambites, but that's normal for yours according to seloc.

Is the 111s a VHPD? Can't really understand why the huge difference in running temps - anyone?

[kambites]

No, a 111S is a standard K-series with variable valve control.

The temperature at which it runs should be almost entirely controlled by the temperature at which your thermostat opens. I think there are different thermostats available which open at different temperatures...

Edited by kambites on Friday 27th February 15:09

[SeanyD]

Standard S2 K Series 96-97 degrees, is that right?? Mine is constantly 87/88 or thereabouts whilst moving, only gets up to those figures if I'm stuck in a jam before the fan does ts stuff.

[kevin ritson]

There are variances but from my experience with a S2 111S:

OEM 'stat: normal temp 86-88 degrees
82 degree 'stat: 84-86 degrees
82 degree 'stat in remote housing: 85 degrees, almost constant

In all cases as soon as you stop it'll start climbing, get to 102 then the fan will cut in until it gets to 96, cut out then the cycle starts again, until you get back to 25mph+, when it'll steadily return to normal.

Remote stat does appear to fluctuate a tad more when you're affected by traffic - eg: I've seen it drop to 80 when on the move again.

[johnmorris]

my 05 111s ran at 86-88 degrees all the time except when
stationary it would climb into the 90,s

[stinkysteve]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

The fans do cut in at 102 but they're running nearly all the time when below 10mph. As soon as i slow down it goes up from 95 very quickly.

SeanyD, is yours standard then? No PRT or rad change?

Anyone else with a a standard K 118bhp running at 95 consistently without problem?

Re-reading all threads on this subject i'll start by bleeding the system and checking for leaks.
Time to get my hands dirty!

[NWTony]

None VVC S2 K series, modified to 160bhp, runs at 86-88 routinely. Did when it was unmodified too.

[bordseye]

kambites said:

No, a 111S is a standard K-series with variable valve control.

The temperature at which it runs should be almost entirely controlled by the temperature at which your thermostat opens. I think there are different thermostats available which open at different temperatures...

Edited by kambites on Friday 27th February 15:09

Not correct. The thermostat opens when the engine to running temperature but once its fully open then the operating temp will be controlled by engine load and fuel input together with airflow through the rad and the block. There is also the issue of heat soak which means that temp initially rises when an engine idles after hard use.

So dont worry about the engine temp readings at the sort of level you are talking about - the coolant wont boil until well over 100. The key issue is fluid leaks - if the engine isnt leaking coolant and runs around 95 then you dont have a problem. If it is leaking coolant and the temp fluctuates wildly, then you do have a problem

[Justin S]

bordseye said:

kambites said:

No, a 111S is a standard K-series with variable valve control.

The temperature at which it runs should be almost entirely controlled by the temperature at which your thermostat opens. I think there are different thermostats available which open at different temperatures...

Edited by kambites on Friday 27th February 15:09

Not correct. The thermostat opens when the engine to running temperature but once its fully open then the operating temp will be controlled by engine load and fuel input together with airflow through the rad and the block. There is also the issue of heat soak which means that temp initially rises when an engine idles after hard use.

So dont worry about the engine temp readings at the sort of level you are talking about - the coolant wont boil until well over 100. The key issue is fluid leaks - if the engine isnt leaking coolant and runs around 95 then you dont have a problem. If it is leaking coolant and the temp fluctuates wildly, then you do have a problem

Thermostats will regulate the engine temperature and will shut if the temperature is too low, such as travelling in low temperatures causing excessive heat disipation from the rad.The engine temp is not controlled by fueling or engine load.Fueling is controlled by the water temp ecu sensor, meaning it will overfuel when cold to allow the engine to run cold and lean out when at temperature.
Even tho I have just fitted the race rad from Eliseparts, that is supposed to be good for 300 bhp engines, my little K is still running at the same temp as the stat is controlling it.I notice that the temp does fluctuate a bit, as the stat opens and takes a little water from the rad,at speed it will drop to 87 deg and stay below 89 deg. I have a C service in 3 weeks and will have a PRT being fitted, so will interesting how that makes it run.

[bordseye]

FWIW you were right about the thermostat Justin and I was wrong! They are designed these days to control water flow over a wider range of temperatures rather than to operate as on /off devices. found an article on the net by a thermostat engineer confirming this.

[Philygumbo]

My 118hp K has always run at 95, Eliseparts rad didn't change the temp, but gave me peace of mind regarding rad failure.

[Gavola]

My Y Reg Series 2 Elise runs at 88-90 in normal conditions. If I am in traffic for more than 5 minutes it will raise to 94/95/96 max. Only on a hot day will it go higher. My fan kicks in at 104.

[beefcake42]

My 51 plate s2 runs 88-90..climbing in traffic with fan at 102,it has exhaust and induction mods and vhpd rad.

[joeymurf]

52 plate, S2 111S, new radiator last year and recent C service from a main stealer, 88C when moving, rises to mid-high 90s when stationary, sometimes 102C if its a warm day and I've been giving it some. Have been informed that turning the A/C on brings the fans on before they're supposed to kick in, a manual fan control if you like. This works a treat and brings the temp down nicely, or at least stops it creeping up any further. Hope this helps.

[rico28]

As most of the above my standard S2 runs at 88 when moving, low 90's when stationary and can climb well over 100 if in heavy traffic or on a hot day.

[miss notax]

My standard S2 seems to run quite hot compared to everyone elses... About 91-95 driving usually, rising to 100+ if it's a really hot day or i'm driving very hard!

I seem to be running quite low on coolant at the moment too - which although i'm a blond girlie who knows sod-all about engines, is leading me to one horrible conclusion.....

Am I heading for the dreaded k series head gasket failure?

[SeanyD]

rico28 said:

As most of the above my standard S2 runs at 88 when moving, low 90's when stationary and can climb well over 100 if in heavy traffic or on a hot day.

Ditto my standard 118bhp k series (usual induction and exhaust upgrade) is typically 87/88/89 when moving, rises to low 90's when stationary, and has on half a dozen occasions reached 100+ when sitting in a jam on a hot day.