Blackstar

New Member
I have a 1990 110CSW 2.5TD. It has two big Kenlowe fans fitted to it, which run from a switch in on the dash. Neither are connected to a thermostat, they are just both on or off.
However, even though it hasn't been wam recently and with these fans running the temperature gauge sits just below 100, about three quarters of the way up, once it is warmed up.
If it idles, the temp drops back down to about 80, which is the half way mark.
Should it run that hot? I would have though it should be half way up the gauge all the time, especially with the fans both blasting.

What should I be looking at? It isn't losing water and the rad looks ok.
 
The engine temp indicated depends on where the sender is located , and the thermostat fitted . You also have to allow for accuracy of the guage.
Withe the engine working then enough heat should be generated for the thermostat to operate to regulate the max temp reached.
When idling the heat may be insufficient to allow that temp to be attained to allow the thermo to operate.
You could have enough cooling capacity in the rad to take the temp of the water in the rad down to below ambient , however if the thermostat is not opening as the eng temp required to open it is not being reached the radiator is more or less irrelevant , or if thermo is u/s.
I would check your thermostat first , with that verified, then you need to look at the rad. Its more than a visual check outside. The usual problem is blocking of the tubes due to calcification etc due to hard water etc. There are a lot of possibles i.e. impellor rusted away etc but 99% of time its thermostat or rad flow. You dont mention what happens if you leave the fans off ? HTSH
 
Thanks for the reply.
I'll check the rad hoses for blockages and see if it might be there.
Haven't run it without the fans. If it really is running that hot with them, i didn't want to take the risk of frying it without them on.
 
go for thermostat first! just get a new one for 6 quid or whatever they cost.

Raz, I may just be being ignorant here, not on purpose obviously, but if the fans are just on an On/Off switch and not linked to a thermostat, what benefit would I get from swapping it out?
What else will it be linked to that would help?
 
You really need to get it checked straight away with your engine. The 19J (Turbo Diesel) is notorious for cracked pistons and blocks and an overheating problem definitely wont do it any good. I had a similar problem with my N/A, the fan belt snapped, meaning no water was being pumped, the engine overheated and I had 4 cracked pistons. All replaced now and the engine flushed thoroughly. Runs on or below half way all the time now.
 
Raz, I may just be being ignorant here, not on purpose obviously, but if the fans are just on an On/Off switch and not linked to a thermostat, what benefit would I get from swapping it out?
What else will it be linked to that would help?

The thermostat is a valve that restricts the flow of coolant around the engine while cold to allow your engine to heat up quicker. Once it reaches the correct temperature the valve then opens fully to allow full circulation. If faulty it could be staying closed or only partially opening therefore restricting coolant flow.
 
try the rad..mine done this and i spent an hr cleaning the rad and it still done it..got a new rad and everything is spot on..my rad was full of mud and **** and weighed a few kilos more than the brand new rad.temp guage now sits smack bang in the middle
 

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