Freelander 1.8k cooling problem help needed

Hello,
I am hoping some members may be able to help me diagnose my cooling problem.

It's an 2001 1.8 k series engine. I replaced the headgasket with a multi layer kit just as a matter of precaution, the engine has one of those external aftermarket sealed unit. I have bled the system via the heater hose turn screw and the 8mm nut on the metal pipe that runs from the thermostat.

The problem i Have is that the top radiator hose is very hot, at normal running temperature and the bottom hose that exits the thermostat is cold. Initially I thought that because I didn't know how long the stat had been in place. Would replace that too, which I did this morning. This has made no difference at all. I don't understand why the stat would not open and let flow through the radiator which is also cold too.

Is the stat fitted incorrectly perhaps? The 2 connectors on one side are uppemost, with one as makes fitted to the water pump side, one the the T section that adjoins the upper radiator pipe, and the bottom feed exit to the lower radiator entry.

I have continuos flow through the header tank, which has a new cap on . I'm running out of ideas now and a bit worried about driving the car without causing any damage.

The dash temperature gauge is reading normal and is just under half position

Your input would be greatly appreciated ,
Cheers

Steve

did you check to make sure that the original thermostat hasn't been left in ?

the one on the back of the engine, under the inlet manifold

Hi,
I haven't checked that, will do for sure, am I right in saying that the old one needs leaving in but with the center section being removed? I'm sure I saw that in a link somewhere ,
Cheers
Steve

Steve.Field said:

Hi,
I haven't checked that, will do for sure, am I right in saying that the old one needs leaving in but with the center section being removed? I'm sure I saw that in a link somewhere ,
Cheers
Steve

Click to expand...

All the pipework stays but the thermostat needs to be removed, cut the "gubbins" out of the stat and refit to maintain the seal.

It may have been done done already but you never know

There have been a few instances of the new mod being fitted and the old stat left in.

I've checked and the old stat was removed, I've noticed the top hose in under a lot of pressure, just wish I understood why the external stat has opened. Just out of curiosity I dipped my wife's cooking thermometer in the header tank, it showed 65 deg C with engine running at normal temp,mi know the stat shouldn't open until 82 deg but if the engine is showing normal temp the stat only holds back until warn?

sounds like everything is working just fine, take it for a long run and check temp again just to be sure

It's not just a thermostat

It's a PRT which stands for pressure relief thermostat.

It will allow coolant to pass under two conditions, either it's hot enough to open the stat or it's under high pressure.