Running temp & expansion chamber upgrade?
Running temp & expansion chamber upgrade?
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Discussion

targarama

Original Poster:

14,709 posts

303 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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I noticed that my bonnet underside has a bit of a dry wet patch (does that make sense). I assume my car has spat a bit of coolant out at some point recently. The coolant level is where it always has been (around halfway up the side outlet 2/3 way up).

I'm wondering if the expansion chamber upgrade mentioned before on here might be needed. Can I ask you guys to report in on the coolant temp at this time of year (on a steady motorway cruise mine runs between 89 and 92deg).

The car was used last summer in extreme (ish) heat in Italy with much trashing around mountains and sitting in traffic jams - no problems whatsoever.

The search facility is disabled, hence the questions instead of looking up the answers on this forum.

Thanks.

jasperj

322 posts

256 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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Hello.. I have recently had the expansion chamber upgrade and it does seem to run at about 5deg cooler. Mine has never gone over 90deg even when sitting in traffic and usually sits at about 80 on the motorway. Obviusly now the weather is getting warmer - it might change.. have a 500 mile journey planned this weekend.. .. will let you know if it changes..

steve11

522 posts

265 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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After a good blast at the weekend mine hit 115c but as there is no loss of steam or coolant from the expansion tank I presume its a sensor problem (getting it looked at at the weekend).

I have the 2nd tank fitted and the water normally runs around 89-95c.

Thought the 2nd tank was only needed on early models where this was a common problem (original tank to small)?


>> Edited by steve11 on Monday 25th April 15:23

targarama

Original Poster:

14,709 posts

303 months

Monday 25th April 2005
quotequote all
Yeah, mine seems perfectly happy, just noticed it has spat some out at some point ...

115deg is a bit hot. Could be a sensor like you say - you should be able to 'smell' if the car really gets this hot. I assume the fans are kicking in?

steve11

522 posts

265 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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First Fan was comming on at 110c

admoss

172 posts

267 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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Just had this mod fitted last friday. Im now on abround 90 for steady stuff and maybe 95 for spirited driving and 90 again for traffic. Thats about -5 on the premodded system. Mine is Jan 2003.

I also have that dry spot above the smaller header tank and assumed it was just where the cap had vented previously and nothing really to worry about.

hwassall

280 posts

304 months

Monday 25th April 2005
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Mine also runs at between 89 and 92 though the upper temperature skips around all over the place between 92 and 94. In traffic the fans are on pretty much the wholw time as I would expect.

maddog-uk

2,392 posts

266 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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Had the upgrade...knocked 5c off running temp. Made me happy, off for a 1000 mile jaunt around france this weekend so will report back monday!

mjc

434 posts

261 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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You may remember I've had problems with mine...
ended up being a couple of things - initially it was an air lock (which is easily rectified), but more recently I had an invisible leak from somewhere...
RADWELD has cured it temporarily but I'll have to get it sorted at the next service...

ANYWAY, coming back to the origonal question..... Before I got rid of the air-lock it was running high 90's, low 100's - then having bled the system, it now runs in the low 90's.. Havent managed to go on a really long drive on a hot day yet, but I'll let you know how I get on when I do!!

SHIFTY

969 posts

256 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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Has anyone the cost of the upgrade as the extra expansion tank makes checking the level so much easier.

jasperj

322 posts

256 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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hello.. yes I paid about £300 for it to be done.. you could argue it did not need doing as it never over heated.. but I just like spending money !!

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

257 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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jasperj said:
I just like spending money !!


Well I'd love to help you out there - would you like to buy an expansion tank for me?

chris watton

22,545 posts

280 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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jasperj said:
hello.. yes I paid about £300 for it to be done.. you could argue it did not need doing as it never over heated.. but I just like spending money !!


LOL, welcome to the club!! , ( as I sit here at work pondering the weather for the coming weekend, pouring at the mo, whilst I try and get my head around designs for an early Victorian Royal Mail coach kit )

jasperj

322 posts

256 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
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AlexRWD said:
Well I'd love to help you out there - would you like to buy an expansion tank for me?


LOL - thanks but if its okay with you I'll focus on doing that myself !!