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Chat => Sports, Hobbies & Motors => Topic started by: Pete on April 12, 2008, 14:09:40 PM

Title: Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Pete on April 12, 2008, 14:09:40 PM
When Im driving along the temp gauge sits under the 1st marker (about 3/4 of the way up between cold and the 1st mark) and the heater doesnt work very well. If Im sat in traffic for a few minutes itll heat up and the gauge will move to dead on the middle marker but as soon as I start moving again the temp gauge bombs.

Is the thermostat stuck open? The garage said they dont think theres anything wrong with it but I want a 2nd opinion cos I think thats bull.
Title: Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 12, 2008, 14:19:45 PM
sounds like the stat is stuck open to me, had it in a car before, never warms up
Title: Stuck thermostat?
Post by: bear on April 12, 2008, 15:00:17 PM
The thermostat is usually easy to remove and inspect.
Another possibillity is what you are low on coolant/water.
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: DEViANCE on April 12, 2008, 15:21:44 PM
whats your mpg like? if the stat is stuck open it should be terrible.

if its easy enough to remove on those, then take it out and stick it in a pan of water and boil it, see if it works.
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on April 12, 2008, 15:56:00 PM
Sounds like thats what the problem is to me too. Cheap to replace also if it is :) My car heats up in a few mins and Im getting maybe 1-2mpg more since having mine replaced.
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Pete on April 12, 2008, 15:57:54 PM
I read somewhere theyre £90 but hopefully the warranty will cover it...

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Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on April 12, 2008, 16:17:03 PM
Oh yeah youve got the Mini now, BMW parts are expensive but £90 for a thermo? :drama:
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: bear on April 12, 2008, 16:29:15 PM
Quote from: DEViANCEwhats your mpg like? if the stat is stuck open it should be terrible.

if its easy enough to remove on those, then take it out and stick it in a pan of water and boil it, see if it works.

Was going to say that but a visual inspection would tell if it is stuck open and a boil will tell if it opens and when, if combined with a thermometer :)

sdp did you check the water/coolant level ?
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Pete on April 12, 2008, 16:39:59 PM
Yeah the coolant level is spot on.
Title: Re:Stuck thermostat?
Post by: Mark on April 12, 2008, 16:44:23 PM
£90 for a stat is a joke, more like £9