water temp.

[inpassing]

i have had an engine change last week and it runs well! but i have noticed that the water temp drops to about a quarter when im driving. is this normal? and if the car is sitting still it gradually climbs to half, but when i move again it starts to go back to quarter.
its just that my old engine water temp stayed at half all the time.
could it be because i have new coolant and thermostat now and they are doing what they are ment to?
my mpg seems to be down a bit too. on the old engine i was getting 32-33mpg and on the new engine im getting 27-28mpg

old engine fault was valve seals.

thanks

 

[deer_dodger]

It sounds like your thermostat is sticking open.

Mine did this, it's a cheap and easy fix.

If it's not reaching operating temp, it may well be over fuelling as the ECU will think the car is cold and run on choke all the time.

 

[inpassing]

how do you fix that?

 

[DrR]

New thermostat.

 

[deer_dodger]

It's quite easy to reach on head at the air filter side of the engine. I seem to remember getting a few scraped knuckles, but I managed to keep all my fingers. It took me about 45 minutes.

The housing is held on by 3 bolts I think and it's easier if you remove the water pipe that's fixed to it first.

Remember to top up your antifreeze after and not just use water.

I think the thermostat cost less than £5.

 

[inpassing]

i have just fitted a new thermostat (cheap ebay 1) last week with engine change. maybe faulty?
i ordered 1 from renault today. £16+ vat!!!!

 

[deer_dodger]

i have just fitted a new thermostat (cheap ebay 1) last week with engine change. maybe faulty?
i ordered 1 from renault today. £16+ vat!!!!

Blimey, I'm sure mine was less than a fiver and hasn't failed yet (2 years). But I imagine the genuine item will be better.