Low running temperature - any advice please!

[superleeb]

Just bought a 1999 111S, lovely car but runs at about 57 degrees, which I gather is not normal! I have read about the 2 sensors, could it be those? it isnt erratic at all, keeps a constant 55-57 degrees. Not had it long and already worried about HGF!!

[scuffham]

well, assuming it's still got water in it, it's not the HG.

there are two temp senders, blue one for the dash, brown for the ECU.

it could be the blue ones screwed (they are not the best), although normally when they go, they do daft stuff...

is the engine actually warming up though? quick etst is how good is the internal heater?

if this is OK,then just change the blue sender and see where your at they should cost ~£12

[superleeb]

Coolant level still full, and heater definitely works, nice and warm in there! Is the sensor a DIY job?

[Esprit]

In short, if you're not losing water, gaining mayo (water/oil emulsion) in the header tank or getting a sumpfull of the same stuff then you've not got HGF.... it's something I'm always paranoid about, but I always check my coolant level anyways

Change the sensors... (both of them)... should ALWAYS be the first port of call as it's a more-than-likely issue here.... if it's not these, next step would be the thermostat, but they SEEM to be pretty good on Elises.

[GreenV8S]

As a sanity check, measure the coolant temperature externally at any convenient point of the water jacket or pipework to see whether the gauge is lying. This will give you a pretty good idea whether you have a sender/gauge problem, or it really is running cold. There are lots of faults that could make the engine run hot, but a faulty stat is just about the only thing that can make it run cold.

[superleeb]

Thanks for the advice chaps. Called in to Jude Performance today while wife was at metro centre buying MORE clothes, they stuck a temperature sensor on (the blue one) and now reads in the 80s. All sorted, peace of mind at last! Completely unrelated, they also stuck a CAT back onto the car for me, as when I bought it it came with a Janspeed supersort exhaust and de-cat pipe, which at over 70 mph was unbearable! (or maybe I am getting too old). Now has a gorgeous burble to it!

As for Jude Performance, I couldnt recommend them enough, really great couple of lads, they will certainly be getting my service in the future.