P38A Temperature - or lack of.

So, one of the last things I did with the car last year before she got parked up for a bit was replace the orings, again. I've done it before, never been an issue however this time round, the temperature indicator never went to 12 o'clock - it always stays at about 10-11. Previously, it was always pretty good at being *just* shy of 12 o'clock. I did bleed it twice to try and resolve it but no joy - pretty sure there was/is no airlock.

Any idea what would cause that? Really not keen on driving it much if I can't rely on the guage.

Mine seems to be reaching 80-85c at the 10-11 o'clock position.
Petrol or diesel?

Sorry, forgot (and got lazy) - it's 4.0 Thor.

Historically, it always sat just shy of 12 unless it was *really* cold outside.

Mine is always bang on 12 o'clock even when going down hill on overrun, ie. No fuel being injected, and I've seen it drop to 90c.
It sits between 92-94c normally going up to 95-96 on occasion, idling or going up hill etc.
Suspect maybe your stat isn't closing completely it wouldn't take much at all
Have you ever tested it! Ie. take it out and fill the top with cold water. It should be sealed tight with no drips

kermit_rr said:

Mine is always bang on 12 o'clock even when going down hill on overrun, ie. No fuel being injected, and I've seen it drop to 90c.
It sits between 92-94c normally going up to 95-96 on occasion, idling or going up hill etc.
Suspect maybe your stat isn't closing completely it wouldn't take much at all
Have you ever tested it! Ie. take it out and fill the top with cold water. It should be sealed tight with no drips

Click to expand...

I haven't, no, but I have a replacement to go in on the basis that it's known good.. But, I'll need to check it first in the sink. Both for a seal like you've suggested, and to make sure it opens at the correct temp.

Hmm, can't find the new one either.

This is tres annoying.

kermit_rr said:

Mine is always bang on 12 o'clock even when going down hill on overrun, ie. No fuel being injected, and I've seen it drop to 90c.
It sits between 92-94c normally going up to 95-96 on occasion, idling or going up hill etc.
Suspect maybe your stat isn't closing completely it wouldn't take much at all
Have you ever tested it! Ie. take it out and fill the top with cold water. It should be sealed tight with no drips

Click to expand...

So, found it. In the boot, in the original box... But, alas, it's a Britpart.

Under the tap.. And it's dripping away quite happily

domino said:

So, found it. In the boot, in the original box... But, alas, it's a Britpart.

Under the tap.. And it's dripping away quite happily

Click to expand...

That's annoying! But at least you didn't get so far as putting it in

Nothing worse than it dripping after you have put it in

Are the housings 2 parts? Or do you need to replace the whole thing, with the stat inside?

It's all one piece, you can't split the housing

kermit_rr said:

That's annoying! But at least you didn't get so far as putting it in

Click to expand...

Do they have a bleed valve to get rid of any air?

Quite a few choices.. Britpart (which I'll avoid), all makes, bearmach and OEM at £73!

tomcat59alan said:

Do they have a bleed valve to get rid of any air?

Click to expand...

Nope, that's why you idle the engine until the stat opens, with the cap off the expansion tank

domino said:

Quite a few choices.. Britpart (which I'll avoid), all makes, bearmach and OEM at £73!

Click to expand...

Aren't britpart and allmakes the same now? Think mine came in a blue box, not had any problems YET

domino said:

Are the housings 2 parts? Or do you need to replace the whole thing, with the stat inside?

Click to expand...

All in one.

tomcat59alan said:

All in one.

Click to expand...

Yeah, figured. Just need to decide which one to go for!

kermit_rr said:

Aren't britpart and allmakes the same now? Think mine came in a blue box, not had any problems YET

Click to expand...

D'you remember roughly what you paid?

domino said:

D'you remember roughly what you paid?

Click to expand...

I don't recall but Britpart aren't expensive

kermit_rr said:

I don't recall but Britpart aren't expensive

Click to expand...

Yeah, Britpart is cheap.. But that's what I have here, as new, that's leaking so would rather avoid.