Hi. Having just finished my High Pressure Injector Pump overhaul (seals), and not replacing the coolant pump, I carried out some research as to why my Engine Temp fluctuates quite wildly.
Living in a mountainous region, I've noticed the engine temp (ET) fluctuates, and can get quite cool as I tend to freewheel into my local village. It's a steepish road with lots of bends, and gravity does most of the work.
Climbing home again and the ET goes up. Hmmm, I did wonder if the coolant pump may have been suspect, especially as there was a sound like a washing machine at times beneath the bonnet.
However, my testing of the coolant pump while the drive-belt was removed persuaded me the pump was okay. Therefore, it must be the thermostat instead. And even though I have a new one to fit the job can be laborious and time consuming. I'll wait unti I really do need to replace the pump, or perhaps the suspect thermostat, if required.
My research indicated there is a common fault with the Freelander 1 Thermostat sticking open, whereby the engine has trouble reaching its required operating temperature.
Then the discovery was found; and I'm sure that what I'm about to disclose will be known by many already, although perhaps not condoned as a long-term remedy - by any means. I, however, am about to carry out what I have learned.
The upper-hose on the heating/cooling system, between the radiator and the engine, can be used to house a seperate thermostat, one that will operate and control the ET even though there is another in use. It's quite simple, really. The stuck-open thermostat allows water to freely circulate around the engine, cooling it to a temperature that is below its preferred working temp. This in turn means the engine may not be as economical or efficient as it should be. The added thermostat should effectively control the ET to the point where the engine operates better.
The thermostat is placed into the upper radiator hose, which is 22mm in diameter. It fits into the hose perfectly and will not damage the engine or anything else. I'm attaching a picture of what I've ordered from Ebay, so you can see what is required. The thermostat is pushed into the engine-end of the hose, with the brass part facing the engine. It's a quick job and should be most efficient. The Rover 75 has the same problem as the Freelander, as it uses the same engine, and many owners have already used this quick-fix, successfully. I dare say, many Freelander owners have done so too.
The Thermostat is for a Renault 5, and other models too. Imagine the Frogs buuilding something that is so simple and extremely efficient? Incerdible! Especially when it was they who built the unbelievable Maginot Line. lol Still, never too late, I suppose.
The thermostat I bought and intend to fit is rated at 83 degrees for opening. The Freelander thermostat is rated at 82 degrees. Close enough. But be careful, because the Renault thermostats come in several differently rated temperatures.
Here's the one I've bought...
Thermostat Renault 5 9 11 19 Rapid 1.0i 1.1i 1.4i New 7700575874 7701348376
£8.79 sold by sm.autoparts (Ebay handle).
I hope this helps anyone with a similar or same problem.
Living in a mountainous region, I've noticed the engine temp (ET) fluctuates, and can get quite cool as I tend to freewheel into my local village. It's a steepish road with lots of bends, and gravity does most of the work.
Climbing home again and the ET goes up. Hmmm, I did wonder if the coolant pump may have been suspect, especially as there was a sound like a washing machine at times beneath the bonnet.
However, my testing of the coolant pump while the drive-belt was removed persuaded me the pump was okay. Therefore, it must be the thermostat instead. And even though I have a new one to fit the job can be laborious and time consuming. I'll wait unti I really do need to replace the pump, or perhaps the suspect thermostat, if required.
My research indicated there is a common fault with the Freelander 1 Thermostat sticking open, whereby the engine has trouble reaching its required operating temperature.
Then the discovery was found; and I'm sure that what I'm about to disclose will be known by many already, although perhaps not condoned as a long-term remedy - by any means. I, however, am about to carry out what I have learned.
The upper-hose on the heating/cooling system, between the radiator and the engine, can be used to house a seperate thermostat, one that will operate and control the ET even though there is another in use. It's quite simple, really. The stuck-open thermostat allows water to freely circulate around the engine, cooling it to a temperature that is below its preferred working temp. This in turn means the engine may not be as economical or efficient as it should be. The added thermostat should effectively control the ET to the point where the engine operates better.
The thermostat is placed into the upper radiator hose, which is 22mm in diameter. It fits into the hose perfectly and will not damage the engine or anything else. I'm attaching a picture of what I've ordered from Ebay, so you can see what is required. The thermostat is pushed into the engine-end of the hose, with the brass part facing the engine. It's a quick job and should be most efficient. The Rover 75 has the same problem as the Freelander, as it uses the same engine, and many owners have already used this quick-fix, successfully. I dare say, many Freelander owners have done so too.
The Thermostat is for a Renault 5, and other models too. Imagine the Frogs buuilding something that is so simple and extremely efficient? Incerdible! Especially when it was they who built the unbelievable Maginot Line. lol Still, never too late, I suppose.
The thermostat I bought and intend to fit is rated at 83 degrees for opening. The Freelander thermostat is rated at 82 degrees. Close enough. But be careful, because the Renault thermostats come in several differently rated temperatures.
Here's the one I've bought...
Thermostat Renault 5 9 11 19 Rapid 1.0i 1.1i 1.4i New 7700575874 7701348376
£8.79 sold by sm.autoparts (Ebay handle).
I hope this helps anyone with a similar or same problem.
