Previous owners
Discussion
Isn't it disappointing when you discover the "nice guy" you bought your car from might not have been quite as nice as you though?
After the overheating issues (Otter switch failing) and the fact that she runs about 5 degree hotter than I'd like (and the fan comes on even at motorway speeds) I decided to change the thermostat..
Taking the housing off, there is no thermostat!
So much for the idea that it might just be a partially sticking thermostat causing the slightly higher temperature.
Well, I'll fit the new thermostat and hope that the previous owner mis-diagnosed the failing Otter switch as a failing thermostat and that's why it's been removed.
Such a shame, I genuinely thought he was a nice guy. I suppose it's possible that he took it to an unscrupulous garage and they did it without his knowledge but then the best I can hope for is that he was a sucker.
Hopefully putting the thermostat won't make things worse. Can't believe how rust coloured the coolant is considering the radiator is nearly new so I can only assume the system wasn't flushed properly either.
Oh well, it could be worse!
After the overheating issues (Otter switch failing) and the fact that she runs about 5 degree hotter than I'd like (and the fan comes on even at motorway speeds) I decided to change the thermostat..
Taking the housing off, there is no thermostat!
So much for the idea that it might just be a partially sticking thermostat causing the slightly higher temperature.
Well, I'll fit the new thermostat and hope that the previous owner mis-diagnosed the failing Otter switch as a failing thermostat and that's why it's been removed.
Such a shame, I genuinely thought he was a nice guy. I suppose it's possible that he took it to an unscrupulous garage and they did it without his knowledge but then the best I can hope for is that he was a sucker.
Hopefully putting the thermostat won't make things worse. Can't believe how rust coloured the coolant is considering the radiator is nearly new so I can only assume the system wasn't flushed properly either.
Oh well, it could be worse!
Disappointing I'd agree but I wouldn't assume that makes them a bad guy. We've all bodged things to keep things going and I know I've sometimes forgotten 
Not everyone has the same level of mechanical competence either and many people think removing the thermostat is a fix for overheating...
Hopefully an easy fix.
Of course this is PH and so obviously you should pop around to the previous owner with some company director, goatee wearing, powerfully built friends
Not everyone has the same level of mechanical competence either and many people think removing the thermostat is a fix for overheating...
Hopefully an easy fix.
Of course this is PH and so obviously you should pop around to the previous owner with some company director, goatee wearing, powerfully built friends
gifdy said:
Bit harsh.
All sorts drive TVRs - some rely on garages to maintain their car as you point out yourself. A missing thermostat could easily be an oversight eitherway.
Harsh? Did you mean me?All sorts drive TVRs - some rely on garages to maintain their car as you point out yourself. A missing thermostat could easily be an oversight eitherway.
I think I know almost every nut and bolt on any vehicle I've owned for a reasonable period of time, I know every little "bodge" I have ever done and would ALWAYS declare all of them to a potential buyer, that's just the right thing to do.
Personally I thought I was being reasonable just saying I was disappointed and that he MIGHT not be such a nice guy. OK maybe "sucker" was a bit harsh, maybe... But I don't think so.
Big mates with goatees - that I have in spades (and I am one of them myself) but I don't think he deserves to meet them, he seemed nice enough, guess I'm just disappointed he either didn't have enough knowledge about the vehicle he was selling or was less than honest, either of those is reasonable grounds for disappointment.
Yep, full reverse flush and replacement coolant. Probably steer clear of water wetter and probably dilute the antifreeze mix a bit now it's (apparently) summer.
Changing the rocker cover gaskets at the same time as they've dried out and leak a bit.
I keep forgetting this is a 24 year old car, so all the "old bodges" work (ish), maybe I was a bit harsh I suppose it is something that could be overlooked, it's possible that it was removed over 20 years ago LOL
Changing the rocker cover gaskets at the same time as they've dried out and leak a bit.
I keep forgetting this is a 24 year old car, so all the "old bodges" work (ish), maybe I was a bit harsh I suppose it is something that could be overlooked, it's possible that it was removed over 20 years ago LOL
Pretty frightening, huh ?
You'll also find several 'OEM' bodges. When I took out my dash I discovered the heater lights are given their colour with electrical tape . Some of the bodging in my loom makes me weep. Not dangerous but you understand why they get their reputation for unreliability !
Still love it, mind.
You'll also find several 'OEM' bodges. When I took out my dash I discovered the heater lights are given their colour with electrical tape . Some of the bodging in my loom makes me weep. Not dangerous but you understand why they get their reputation for unreliability !
Still love it, mind.
My car also had a new rad when I bought it but the water was thick brown sludge. It also ran a bit hot but did have a stat in it. Gave it a good dose of rad flush and plenty of washing out, then drove around with plain water for week before flushing out again and adding the antifreeze. Could not believe how much crap came out of it. Afterwards it ran way too cool till I modified the bypass. The stat (on the 2.9) also has a plate that closes off a hole in the back of the housing as it gets hot. Not sure what that does but if theres no stat it stays open, this might allow the water to short cut back to the engine.
Rob.
Rob.
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