Cold running engine

[SteveS1]

I have a Ford Escort 1.3; it runs perfectly but the temp gauge rarely goes into the 'normal' segment. The needle sits either just on the line of this 'normal' area on the guage or just below it. The engine appears to warm up to this level OK but I've also noticed that the hot air vents only provide luke warm air. Since I bought the car (had it about a year now) I've drained, flushed and refilled the coolant system. Any ideas please?

 

[johnwr]

Steve, I would change the thermostat, it's an easy job. Don't forget to buy a new gasket, also check the antifreeze is at the correct strength. johnwr

 

[tonlist]

Steve, I would change the thermostat, it's an easy job. Don't forget to buy a new gasket, also check the antifreeze is at the correct strength. johnwr

Hi John,
I have exactly the same problem as Steve except my meter would slowly point to normal range after at least 5-10minutes drive. The heater air won't turn hot fast enough, what should I do?
Thank you.

 

[johnwr]

I would change the thermostat if the engine is only warming up very slowly, that should help. While you are changing the stat flush out the heater matrix, and add new antifreeze.
regards johnwr

 

[SteveS1]

Thanks for your reply John, as a matter of interest why do you recommend the thermostat? Surely if this was faulty it would cause the engine to overheat? or is it possible that too much coolant is being diverted to the radiator? Are there alternative stats that can be fitted depending on their heat settings or are they all generic?

 

[johnwr]

Hello steve, when I replyed first time I'll admit that I didn't read it properly. If the water temp is getting up to normal and it does this fairly quickly then I would leave the stat alone,check that the both heater hoses are hot, but I would try flushing out the heater matrix. Just a thought does your heater have an electric heater valve, you can look back in the listings for Fiesta/Ka heater problems. With regards to the stat failing, yes they normally fail closed and that causes the engine to overheat, but then it is posible that it has stuck partially open. You can get stat with different opening temperatures. regards johnwr

 

[johnwr]

remove this posting

 

[cjbigboy]

I've seen many a thermostat that has stuck open. Meaning that it takes forever for the engine to heat up, and heater will only blow lukewarm air.

Worth checking as John said

CJ

 

[andy]

Steve, I would change the thermostat, it's an easy job. Don't forget to buy a new gasket, also check the antifreeze is at the correct strength. johnwr

Hi John,
I have exactly the same problem as Steve except my meter would slowly point to normal range after at least 5-10minutes drive. The heater air won't turn hot fast enough, what should I do?
Thank you.

the engine doesnt get upto 70-80 degress in a matter of seconds.