Temp doesn't go above 80 DegC (320 CDi)

[mr. shr]

Hi All,
Noticed that the temp on my S211 doesn't go over 80 deg C even after a good half hour m way driving.

Been looking at couple of other threads and seems common problem that temp senders go faulty.

Question is, how easy is it to replace?
Do I need to drain out the coolant first?

Thanks,
shr.

 

[renault12ts]

Or it could be the thermostat.

 

[mr. shr]

Gulp!!
So the two are not the same thing then?
Where's the thermostat located?

 

[ringway]

Hi All,
Noticed that the temp on my S211 doesn't go over 80 deg C even after a good half hour m way driving.

Been looking at couple of other threads and seems common problem that temp senders go faulty.

Question is, how easy is it to replace?
Do I need to drain out the coolant first?

Thanks,
shr.

Anywhere between 80-90 is okay.

If you fit a new thermostat the temp will lie between 85-90.

 

[markmifsud]

Mine sticks to about 75, and only creeps to 80 if I am stuck in a really bad traffic jam

 

[mr. shr]

Anywhere between 80-90 is okay.

If you fit a new thermostat the temp will lie between 85-90.

Would I not get better fuel ecomony if the temp goes higher?

I have never got into the 40's with my MPG, and from looking at other threads thought it was cos the temp was too low?

 

[corned]

I believe I am in the same boat.

When I bought the car (at exactly 3 years old) and until last October, the temp gauge never moved much from its perch on 80C. I could get it to go up by only one notch if I had been stood in traffic after a good motorway blast.

Now, on a sensible run on the motorway the temp never rises above 70C, so I believe that my thermostat is sticking open. Also, I have noticed that my fuel economy is not as it was. I reckon a journey where I would previously see 48mpg, I am now seeing 42mpg at best.

As it happens, the temp sender is mounted in the thermostat housing. The replacement thermostat comes with the whole housing and a new O-ring. You just fit the sender back in the new one when it is fitted.

I have seen replacement thermos on ebay which include a new sender, but I can't bring myself to buy one of those. God knows how long they would last...

New MB ones are approx £40-50. I am trying to get mine done before the remap on 1/5/10!!

 

[davidjpowell]

I'm on this ship also. Not managed to hit over 42 mpg yet and temperature is very volatile depending on speed, outside temperature and type of road.

 

[mr. shr]

I believe I am in the same boat.

When I bought the car (at exactly 3 years old) and until last October, the temp gauge never moved much from its perch on 80C. I could get it to go up by only one notch if I had been stood in traffic after a good motorway blast.

Now, on a sensible run on the motorway the temp never rises above 70C, so I believe that my thermostat is sticking open. Also, I have noticed that my fuel economy is not as it was. I reckon a journey where I would previously see 48mpg, I am now seeing 42mpg at best.

As it happens, the temp sender is mounted in the thermostat housing. The replacement thermostat comes with the whole housing and a new O-ring. You just fit the sender back in the new one when it is fitted.

I have seen replacement thermos on ebay which include a new sender, but I can't bring myself to buy one of those. God knows how long they would last...

New MB ones are approx £40-50. I am trying to get mine done before the remap on 1/5/10!!

Corned,
It was from looking at some threads that you're involved with that got me thinking I might have a problem.
Good to the know the stat housing also holds the sender. The sender itself is only about a tenner so if the stat is fifty, I don't think 60 quid is too bad if it means I can get my mpg up into the 40's.

So is it a DIY job?
Do you have to drain the coolant first?

 

[kwakdonut]

I replaced mine recently and the temp sits between 80-85c. I feel that the thermostat only needs changing if it doesn't get above 40/60c.

I manage 38-47mpg so some of you need to take your lead boots off!!! lol

 

[BlackC55]

Dont forget to check the viscous fan for correct operation.

 

[corned]

I'm going to tackle this job at the weekend hopefully. I will post how I get on.

I want to make sure the thermostat is working properly if I am having the ECU remapped soon. I hate driving with my fingers crossed!

 

[mr. shr]

But that's the thing. I always drive like I've got Miss. Daisy as my passenger.
Always lock the CC on to 60 or 70 mph on carriage and motor ways.

 

[mr. shr]

Dont forget to check the viscous fan for correct operation.

How do I check this?
Would STAR be able to identify anything?

 

[mr. shr]

I replaced mine recently and the temp sits between 80-85c. I feel that the thermostat only needs changing if it doesn't get above 40/60c.

I manage 38-47mpg so some of you need to take your lead boots off!!! lol

Did you do it yourself?

 

[kwakdonut]

Did you do it yourself?

Sure did. Dead easy on the I6 engine, unsure of the V6. Am sure Olly could inform us all!

If you need any advice, am happy to help

 

[mr. shr]

Sure did. Dead easy on the I6 engine, unsure of the V6. Am sure Olly could inform us all!

If you need any advice, am happy to help

Great, thanks.

Mines a straight six.

Does the coolant need to be drained?

 

[kwakdonut]

Great, thanks.

Mines a straight six.

Does the coolant need to be drained?

You can but I didn't bother. The amount you lose isn't much and as long as you have some to replace it, don't worry. I used some blue roll stuffed underneath to soak up the waste.

If you take the oil filter cover off this makes the job way easier but ensure you cover the 'hole' left for obvious reasons!

Whole job took about half an hour and that included me making sure everything was clean and shiny before and after fitting new thermostat!

 

[mr. shr]

Brilliant thanks.
How come you had to change yours?

 

[corned]

Can someone please post the part number for the I6 E320CDI thermostat?

I didn't make a note of it before the Russian parts catalogue site went down.