engine temperature

[kiapower]

Hi ppl,

So I have a 97 kia avella and lately have been noticing something strange in the temperature reading. Usually the gauge goes up midway and then stays that way. But latley it is taking ages to warm up and then if I coast downhill or run at low load the reading goes down (i.e a cooler reading).

Could it be that the something is wrong with the thermostat and it is always allowing flow for cooling or do you think that there could be something wrong with the gauge? As far as i know it is more common for the thermostat to not cool and subsequenetly have overheat, but has anyone ever experieneced this?

Thanks

[ejp2fast]

kiapower, where do you live? that may help diagnosis with outside temperature. please add your location to your profile - under "User CP" at the top.

these engines take awhile to heat up, especially if you don't have a dual stage thermostat. if you are coasting downhill, the engine isn't working as hard and would get cooler.. so thats normal.

[kiapower]

I live in Malta (europe). the weather has just started to turn hot latley so that is why I see this as being strange. Also it never used to take so long to heat up and when it heated up I have never before seen it cool down to the point of me noticing the gauge needle going down.

But now even after it heats up it goes cold if i don't make it work as hard.

I'll have to check if the thermostat is jammed open.

Any more input?

[ejp2fast]

First i'd put in a OEM dual-stage thermostat.. see this thread for more info. As long as you aren't running TOO HOT, you'd probably be ok.
also, in the summer, make sure your cooling fan switch is working. this is in the front side of the thermostat housing. if your ignition is on, unplug that single connector and your cooling fan should come on.

[FestYboy]

replace your t-stat, if you engine doesn't reach op temp or does it slowly, you'll see an increase in fuel consumption. the ECU relys on the temp sensor to determine when to swith to closed loop mode.

[miami man]

at one time i had two festivas both with two tempeture ranges

[FestYboy]

... ok...?

[ejp2fast]

different t-stats have different temp ranges... if you go to mcparts autostore, they have 180 F and 190 F single stage t-stats...(or is is 185 and 195??)
the dual stage oem t-stat has a crack temperature and open temperature..
this makes a big difference in such a small engine.

[sanjeet]

I think you are best to start somewhere and my list would be

The thermostat first because that is the most likely, you can also check your radiator cap as that can cause problems as well and they are inexpensive, also make sure you have a good anti freeze level and replace the cooling water if you have to with a 50/50 mix anti freeze/ water, before you drain the system make sure you have the heater valvle fully open and when you refill keep squeezing the hoses to make sure all the air is expelled.

on older models the timing can effect the radiator temperature, but if you have fuel injection I think that is a problem that should correct itself electronically.

check your drive belt for your water pump is correctly tensioned as well, possibly the radiator core could be clogged up with bugs if you do a lot of night driving so you may as well clean that up, vary rarely the electrical probe in the engine block can be faulty but that is a long shot and leave that one to the absolute last.

and do check the oil level and I only use 15w 40, bad oil can also effect the cooling, so that will keep you busy over the weekend :-)

[sanjeet]

sorry a double post :violent3: