Temperature issues?

The Oily Bits S1 Specific Topics
1

Hi All,

I took the car out yesterday morning early for a ‘good drive’ In fact, since getting it back repaired after my Brands Hatch meeting with a tyre wall, this has been its first “relatively” energetic drive.

My car when driving always has operated between 78-80 degrees celcius, the only exception is when it is stuck in traffic. So yesterday, in the cool early morning I gave it a bit of welly for one minute tops, and then was surprised to see the temperature rocket up to 100 degrees in seconds and then go down in seconds to 75 degrees, while still travelling at 50mph. I immediately slowed right down and drove gingerly home … the temperature stabilised once again around 80 degrees, although it did it once again to a lesser extent when I accelerated up a hill. The car throughout felt fine, powerful etc no issues there. I did stop off to look at it and noticed when I turned the car off that the header tank was fill right to near the brim, and was fizzing and spitting a bit through the release valve. When the engine was running, the fluid level dropped off down to the max line. The coolant is clean, no contaminant, but I have not checked the oil as yet, because I don’t know what contaminated oil will look like. (just being honest!! :blush: )

What are your thoughts on what this could be? As part of the repair last year, I might as well mention it had a new rad. It is also a K series, yes there are a few left!! :smiley:

Any thoughts will be appreciated. :wink: I hope this is not head gasket. :frowning:

2

Just my thoughts

  1. Slight airlock in the system
  2. Blue temperature sender or connection on the way out
  3. Faulty header tank cap

But it most likely is just be the VHPD keeping you on your toes - wish there were more dials to look at - the temp gauge does get more attention than it should deserve :slight_smile:

Head gasket? - is there a known problem reagarding this? :wink:

3

I’d try the header tank cap first…

Had several problems caused by those !!!

4



What he said!

5

1 and 3 are my favourites

6

Thanks guys…I think I can deal with 1-3. :smiley:
Simon, no, no known issues with K series head gaskets, but you know, I was trying to do some blue sky root cause thinking here :smiley: :wink:

7

As they all have said.
If and when you need some work on the engine a PRT is a good investment.
Since mine was fitted the temp has been rock solid @ 80 even in Sunday’s heat on way back from Lotus festival.

But this did throw up another problem.
See mt thread.

8

I thought there was an issue with the rapid temp rise if you did not have a PRT fitted and gave it a bit of a welly?

Replace cap would be first thing to check as that should not be fizzing.

9

I checked the oil last night and it appears perfect, so that is a good sign :whistle:

10

Airlock most likely… I’d bleed it again, and keep an eye on your water level for the next little while.