Car cooling system. - SV650.org

L3nny · 11-12-10, 03:14 PM

Please be gentle but I am a bit thick when it comes to mechanical things.

Driving my car today the other night and did about 10 miles, noticed the engine never got up to the normal running temperature. Sat at about a third of the way up the dial rather than bang in the middle as usual. It was -4 outside so didn't think too much of it.

Got in the car today and a big "Check Coolant" warning appeard on the display so I checked the coolant and the header tank was pretty much empty.

Now this is where I am confused, if there isn't enough coolant in the engine wouldn't it overheat rather than run cooler??

If it makes any difference the car is a VW Bora V5 petrol. Cheers.

punyXpress · 11-12-10, 03:18 PM

Depends where the temperature sensor is

11-12-10, 03:38 PM

Check coolant mixture is at the correct mix by topping up header tank to the proper level and running the engine before you check it after it has cooled.If during this operation the level has dropped again you have a water leak someplace so start by checking all the hose connections and condition of the hoses,then all externals such as thermostat housing and radiator looking for water traces or damp patches

The electric fan would kick in more if the coolant is low to keep the temperature down

Bluepete · 11-12-10, 04:08 PM

Thermostat?

IIRC, the thermostat stays closed until the engine is up to temp, then opens to allow flow from the radiator. If it fails, it could stay open and not allow the coolant to heat up.

Then again, I know nothing about cars...

Pete

Richie · 11-12-10, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluepete

Thermostat?

IIRC, the thermostat stays closed until the engine is up to temp, then opens to allow flow from the radiator. If it fails, it Should stay open and not allow the coolant to heat up.

Then again, I know nothing about cars...

Pete

they are designed to fail in the open position to save your engine from over heating.

be thankful you haven't got and Audi A8 as the thermostat is buried deep within the engine and Labour charges are HUGE !

L3nny · 11-12-10, 04:34 PM

Hmmmm, sounds like the same thing that happened to my Alfa.

I will take it to the garage and ask them to check it out. Cheers

Mr Speirs · 11-12-10, 04:39 PM

Does sound indicative of a stuck open thermostat.
And the lack of fluid might be the result of a small leak or an escape hole for steam...possibly the tank header cap has lost it's air seal.

Had to replace the thermosat on my Alfa when I got it too, easy job as long as it's accessible.

L3nny · 11-12-10, 05:09 PM

I only work 1.5 miles from home and while I often walk, in this weather I have been taking the car. Do you think the fact I am using it for short journeys and not letting it warm up properly would cause problems?

keith_d · 11-12-10, 05:34 PM

The oil and the exhaust system suffer from condensation and the battery doesn't get charged, but the coolant is usually fine with short runs.

punyXpress · 11-12-10, 07:50 PM

It'll never heat up in that distance IMHO

11-12-10, 03:14 PM	#1
L3nny Member Mega Poster Join Date: May 2008 Location: MK Posts: 2,109	Car cooling system. Please be gentle but I am a bit thick when it comes to mechanical things. Driving my car today the other night and did about 10 miles, noticed the engine never got up to the normal running temperature. Sat at about a third of the way up the dial rather than bang in the middle as usual. It was -4 outside so didn't think too much of it. Got in the car today and a big "Check Coolant" warning appeard on the display so I checked the coolant and the header tank was pretty much empty. Now this is where I am confused, if there isn't enough coolant in the engine wouldn't it overheat rather than run cooler?? If it makes any difference the car is a VW Bora V5 petrol. Cheers. __________________ 2015 GS 1200 Adventure

11-12-10, 03:18 PM	#2
punyXpress Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riding, North Posts: 2,664	Re: Car cooling system. Depends where the temperature sensor is __________________ Was: K2 naked in rapid yellow - gone to a better? place Now: Street Triple R

11-12-10, 03:38 PM	#3
Dicky Ticker Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Car cooling system. Check coolant mixture is at the correct mix by topping up header tank to the proper level and running the engine before you check it after it has cooled.If during this operation the level has dropped again you have a water leak someplace so start by checking all the hose connections and condition of the hoses,then all externals such as thermostat housing and radiator looking for water traces or damp patches The electric fan would kick in more if the coolant is low to keep the temperature down Last edited by Dicky Ticker; 11-12-10 at 03:40 PM.

11-12-10, 04:08 PM	#4
Bluepete Member Mega Poster Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ex motorcyclist Posts: 1,961	Re: Car cooling system. Thermostat? IIRC, the thermostat stays closed until the engine is up to temp, then opens to allow flow from the radiator. If it fails, it could stay open and not allow the coolant to heat up. Then again, I know nothing about cars... Pete

11-12-10, 04:34 PM	#6
L3nny Member Mega Poster Join Date: May 2008 Location: MK Posts: 2,109	Re: Car cooling system. Hmmmm, sounds like the same thing that happened to my Alfa. I will take it to the garage and ask them to check it out. Cheers __________________ 2015 GS 1200 Adventure

11-12-10, 04:39 PM	#7
Mr Speirs Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northampton Posts: 2,218	Re: Car cooling system. Does sound indicative of a stuck open thermostat. And the lack of fluid might be the result of a small leak or an escape hole for steam...possibly the tank header cap has lost it's air seal. Had to replace the thermosat on my Alfa when I got it too, easy job as long as it's accessible. __________________ Smokey Black Burnty 02 - Racetech Smoulderlators + .90kg BBQ Springs, zx10r shockingly toasted, Conti Road Attacks heat up very nicely, R&G Crash Bungs but what f**king use are they, No Colour Matched Hugger, Flame Extenda, Beowulf Titainium Oval Flame Thrower.

11-12-10, 05:09 PM	#8
L3nny Member Mega Poster Join Date: May 2008 Location: MK Posts: 2,109	Re: Car cooling system. I only work 1.5 miles from home and while I often walk, in this weather I have been taking the car. Do you think the fact I am using it for short journeys and not letting it warm up properly would cause problems? __________________ 2015 GS 1200 Adventure

11-12-10, 05:34 PM	#9
keith_d Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ruislip Posts: 1,131	Re: Car cooling system. The oil and the exhaust system suffer from condensation and the battery doesn't get charged, but the coolant is usually fine with short runs.

11-12-10, 07:50 PM	#10
punyXpress Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riding, North Posts: 2,664	Re: Car cooling system. It'll never heat up in that distance IMHO __________________ Was: K2 naked in rapid yellow - gone to a better? place Now: Street Triple R

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