Engine-running temperature

[sarge]

For a few weeks now my engine temperature gauge has not always been reaching its normal operating position (3 o'clock) but sometimes sits a bit below this, or takes longer than normal to get to the horizontal. Could this be related to the cooler ambient temperatures we've been having here or is it more likely to be a sign that the thermostat(?) is going to need replacing?

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks,

Sarge
'99 V70 AWD

if you have the heater on as soon as it's slightly warm it will stop the engine getting up to temreture quickly,try it without the blower on.
It will take longer to warm up than in the warm weather obviously.

my V40 has a blanking piece that clips into the bottom main vent in 0 degrees and below,this makes it warm up a lot quicker.

[liuleichan]

>For a few weeks now my engine temperature gauge has not
>always been reaching its normal operating position (3 o'clock)
>but sometimes sits a bit below this, or takes longer than
>normal to get to the horizontal. Could this be related to the
>cooler ambient temperatures we've been having here or is it
>more likely to be a sign that the thermostat(?) is going to
>need replacing?

As somebody else has pointed out, using the heater, therefore taking out some of the heat from the coolant may slow down your coolant temperature gauge from getting to the normal spot - and if you're running with the heater on, you may notice it runs slightly cooler by the gauge.

So I wouldn't worry necessarily about the themostat - it could just be that you are (or the climate control is) taking more heat out of the system by pumping it in to the cabin.

[Mike Smith]

This was an interesting thread a good while ago,
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/dc/dcboa...ng_type=search

Regards
Mike
'96 GLT Auto Estate

For Every Problem - There is a Solution

it 90% probably the thermostat, replace it £10 from ecp and 1/2 hour to fit.

[bigandquick]

1/2 an hour? Are you a dealer?
Took my thermostat housing apart last night (for the first time) to replace temp sensor, and it took less than 10 minutes.
Seriously though, it's very straightforward. Just need a Torx 40 bit.

no i'm not a dealer just sloowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. ;)

but your right get the proper torx bit or you'll do what i did and strip the head of the aluminium bolts!!!

volvo do steel ones now, i think they learnt there lesson, too late for me though ;(

[sarge]

Thanks all for the replies and info. - I see a difference of opinion emerging but the business with the heater sounds plausible as I do have the temperature setting turned up quite high. I'll turn it down for a few journeys and see if that makes a difference. Given that the thermostat is a relatively cheap replacement job, especially by Volvo standards, I may change that as a precaution. Thanks again.

Sarge
'99 V70 AWD

[enrm6]

To be fair it is probably nearer 30 mins by the time you have the shield off from under the rad, drained off a bit of coolant etc.

Of course if you don't mind loosing some then I guess 10mins is doable too.

I would say it is almost definately the thermostat. The heater will make a difference but will not stop it getting to 3 oclock. For the easy job it is, and the £6 it is going to cost you, I would just replace it.