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Author Topic: To replace thermostat or not ...  (Read 9145 times)

Offline ub7rm

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To replace thermostat or not ...
« on: January 06, 2011, 09:00:18 am »
There have been a few threads of late about cars taking a long time to warm up in the recent weather, I had been reasonably sure it was 'normal' due to the cold weather but I'm not so sure now and am about to punt the car to a garage to get the thermostat replaced (05 plate / 54k miles).  But just before I do I'd like to run this past folks one last time.

On my journey in today part through town traffic then dual carriageway,  7 miles total / about 15-20 mins the gauge was sitting half way between the floor and 90 Deg.  It was about 1 Deg C today.  I have seen it climb to 90 - very slowly - then dropping quite quickly back to the half way position.  This kindov suggests that the thermostat isn't regulating quite as it should but also suggests that it is doing something!  :confused:

My wifes 1.2 polo is at full temp about 5 minutes after leaving the house on the same journey so surely my turbo's lump should be getting hot even quicker?

I do notice that the ed30 / Pirelli engines have a 87 Deg C thermostat but the KO3's have an 80 Deg C thermostat.  I mention this as a lot of the ed30's / Pirelli guys seem to be saying theirs heat up quickly.  But maybe thats an age issue as well since the KO4 engined golfs are a few years younger than the KO3's like mine ...

Bit of a ramble but I'm looking for a bit of reassurance to justify the £100 to change the thermostat when there may be nothing wrong with it ...
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Offline Richn83

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Re: To replace thermostat or not ...
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2011, 09:17:32 am »
by drive to the gym is about 5-10 minutes, little bit of stop start and a hill, but due to engine being cold I keep the revs under 2k and by the time I arrive the temp is over half way and nearly at 90.  Car is K03 05 ~40k  so it sounds like something isn't right especially if the needle also then drops are you going to get them to replace the temperature sender while there at it?

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Offline S2 Ant

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Re: To replace thermostat or not ...
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2011, 09:34:29 am »
My short drive to work is about 6mins of 30mph and the car is just about touching 90 by the time i arrive give or take a few degrees. Its about 3 miles.
When the weather was 0 - -5, the car wasnt quite reaching 90 but wasnt far off, it certainly doesnt take more than a few more minutes to warm up if it hasnt reached temp by this time, so i suspect there are quite a few tired thermostats out there now.

Edit: Mine is a K03 on 48k
Ant

Offline ub7rm

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Re: To replace thermostat or not ...
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2011, 09:45:48 am »
I'm getting more convinced!  Thanks chaps.

I did the the temp sender myself before xmas.  It was dark and about -10 Deg C outside ... not a good idea!  Didn't make a difference.  :sad1:
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Offline Gene Hunt

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Re: To replace thermostat or not ...
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2011, 11:38:19 am »
I would say replace it  :happy2:.My old mk5 GTI never got 1/2 on a 7 mile drive to work on A roads in this weather/time of year etc, but since changing to my ED 30 2 weeks ago total change. Temp gauge is on the 1/2 way mark & hot air through the vents even before i reach work. I would think for what they cost got to be worth doing,wish i had changed it last winter on the GTI. :happy2:
« Last Edit: December 15, 2011, 08:26:03 pm by Gene Hunt »
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline ub7rm

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Re: To replace thermostat or not ...
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2011, 02:45:39 pm »
Yes I did change it and it didn't make any difference - I've also replied in your other thread with more info.
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