Overheating Griff

[tom's dad]

:curse:

Hi,
Im in the process of trying to diagnose a n overheating problem wiv me Grif. Bin running it for a year with consistent water temperatures - low 80.s when cruising. Yesterday the gauge indicated a temperature on the line at 90degC. I checked fans operating ok and checked the flow from the thermostat housing which appeared to be ok also. The temperature didnt rise above the line when sitting with the engine running for a few minutes.
I am going to check the temp sensor and the gauge for accuracy.
General advise would be useful, but I would specifically like to know whether the thermostat can fail so that it doesnt fully open, as I have been advised that modern ones are made to fail open.

Thanks in anticipation.

G :scratchchin:

[GreenV8S]

tom's dad said:

I have been advised that modern ones are made to fail open.

That's wishful thinking I'm afraid. It's common for them to fail in such a way that they don't fully open or close, so you get too much cooling in cold conditions and not enough in hot.

[parrot of doom]

I would imagine that if the car is physically running hotter, then the fans would be on more of the time.

Otherwise, its an incorrect reading on the gauge?

[tom's dad]

Thanks for your thoughts, but its looking more serious.
White vapour from the exhaust and pressure in the swirl tank. Better check me wallet.

Dismayed G

[GreenV8S]

tom's dad said:

White vapour from the exhaust and pressure in the swirl tank. Better check me wallet.

I'm afraid so, just hope the head and block faces aren't damaged.