Engine temperature 40*

[boxvito]

Hi

I have a Mercedes Vito 108 CDI 1999.

It appears to me that the vehicle is not getting hot enough and generally runs at 40*.

I revved it whilst stationary for a A few minutes and the gauge went up to halfway 80*.

But on general day-to-day use driving say Half an hour, the vehicle never gets to halfway.

I presume this is not normal?

How soon should this vehicle get hot?

 

[DSM10000]

Normal running temperature should be mid to high 80's. You need to change the thermostat, have you noticed increasing fuel consumption?

 

[W210Virgin]

Yes, almost certainly a thermostat. The fact that it warms up a bit when stationary more or less proves that. It's a 15 year old van. Treat it to a nice shiny new 'stat.

 

[Giantvanman]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[boxvito]

SORRY running temp is 55*

But the same applies I presume; a new thermostat.

Only thing I don't understand; is it staying open or opening too slowly as the stat is worn?

As it does get to temp if revved stationary.

Thanks very much guys.

 

[boxvito]

Oh fuel consumption (mpg) is in the 30s.

 

[Dec]

In the link below, there is an animation of the cooling system…
HowStuffWorks "How Car Cooling Systems Work"
… click the Red START button to run the animation.

In your case, the thermostat, C in the animation, is stuck open OR is missing from the car.

When you rev the engine, while stationary, the radiator is not getting as much cooling air as if it were when moving, so naturally, the engine temperature rises.

Dec

 

[boxvito]

thanks to all the replies, new stat on its way.