My car had been running for some time with temperature gauge reading just below or just into the N. Too good to last! Recently the gauge will register half way to the N and not further. I’ve had air bubbles before but that seemed to make for a bouncy gauge. This reading gets there and sticks. The upper driver’s side radiator hose is cool enough that I can grab it even after a short drive (which is all I’ve risked) while the other side seems to be a normal temp of too hot to touch. I’ve changed the driver’s side thermostat, but no change.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

There must be a blockage somewhere, I think one of:

1. Top hose
2. Radiator inlet
3. Thermostat housing / front water manifold somehow blocked
4. Water pump delivery to that side.

These are listed in order of difficulty of checking. I think that it is unlikely that all the exit ports from the head to the water manifolds are blocked, so I cannot see much alternative to taking the bits off and looking. Two duff thermostats is JUST possible, so you can chuck it into a pan of hot water and see if it opens as the water heats up.


Greg

 

Thanks, Greg. I just got a chance to read your answer. I did check the thermostat prior to installation so I'll sort through the rest of your suggestions. I appreciate your advice.

 

Before you start delving too deep into the mysteries of the cooling system, change the temperature gauge sender; like everything else on the car it has a limited lifespan and I seem to recall it as any easy job.
If that doesn't change anything then at least you know that are starting your investigation with a new part.
Steve

 

You did use a correct thermostat with the bypass disc?

 

Thanks for your replies. After I stopped and thought for a bit I went back and burped the air again. When I changed the thermostat I checked it in hot water first, so I had already ruled that out. When I changed it fluid came from the radiator and the engine, so I ruled blockage out at that part. Even though I thought I had bled it properly..... it turns out there was still air. I did it again and problem solved, at least for now. I hope to revamp the system soon, but have some body issues to assess first.

Maddening, but I for some reason I sure enjoy this car. Thanks again.