Paranoid. Indulge me.

[Sancho]

I've just had my head done and I believe a recognised phase of the recovery is the paranoid bit, so please indulge me.

I drove down to my dad's place in Gloucestershire (from London) last weekend and happened to notice (because I watch it more than the road) that the temperature guage had moved about 2mm higher than normal. Normally, I can see the little picture of the thermometer, this time the needle covered it. I was probably going about 75-80 at the time so backed off a little bit and it dropped down to its normal position.

Over the weekend, I stuck a couple of vents in the bonnet and changed the rad cap and thermostat. When I drove back, I noticed the same thing with the needle.

So what I was wondering is whether everyone's needle moves a little bit or if it's just me. I would have thought there is one 'normal' temperature and any movement above it means there's something amiss. Is there something I should be checking? It's not losing any coolant and, as I say, we're talking 2mm here, not journeys up into the red bit.

[dave.j.robbo]

All I can say, is that my needle is always in the same place (once it's warmed up!).

Just to the left of centre, with the thermometer in view. I've never seen it anywhere else, and 90% of my driving is on motorways at, ahem, 70mph.....

[BUSHWHACKER]

I noticed my temp needle moves up a bit when driving at a sustained 80mph, as soon as I drop the speed down to 70mph the needle drops too.

[lord lucan]

how old is the rad?

[Sancho]

how old is the rad?

Probably about as old as me.

TonyN's seen it a few times and never said "oh $hit, get a new rad" but it has got a few dings in it and a little weld at the top. Obviously, it all got flushed and refilled properly when Tony did the head, so I don't think it's blocked or anything. Probably just gradually on its way out.

My main concern is just that I don't want the b@stard overheating on me when I'm off cruising around enjoying the summer. The needle used to move a little bit just before it spat the water out and went into the red when the head was busted, so I just have an adverse reaction to seeing it anywhere above that thermometer.

[lord lucan]

ive done a few of these heads and allways recomend to fit a new rad, its false economy if you dont.

[da SLUG man]

ive done a few of these heads and allways recomend to fit a new rad, its false economy if you dont.

even if there's nothing wrong with the old one?

[Sancho]

What happens if I don't replace it? Is it going to have a fit on the motorway or do I just need to chill out a bit on the speed front?

[Maverick]

Relax a little, I think I've got Tonys first head change and it's going strong, the temperature needle does move about 1mm every now and then, but so far it's never gone above the halfway mark, it normally sits a hairs width off the symbol. However the factory temperature gauges are notoriously inaccurate. If you are truly worried talk to Tony about putting a digital guage in so you can see the changes accuratly (I haven't done it but have thought about it), also yes ease off a bit on the motorway. Saying that however my girl came back from North Yorkshire to Southampton last year with me hammering it the whole way (I even had to stop halfway to top up the tank), without a single hicup.

PS the paranoia does fade abit over time, but you'll find that you will perfect the glance at the guages before checking the speedo before returning to the road.

[lord lucan]

you cant tell if the rad is partially blocked without taking the top tank off and looking down the fins, i would replace anyway you would be suprised how much cooler the engine runs.

[jamsironwork]

mine used to rise a bit the same at high speeds. dumped all the air con stuff now and is much better, had loads of crud stuck between the rad and condenser

[Sancho]

Conclusion seems to be that it's nothing to worry about immediately but that a new radiator would be nice and ditching all the redundant aircon stuff would probably help too.

The plan is now to go home, check again that the fans work and see if there's any rubbish stuck in there. Then lend it to my mate who wants to drive to Winchester this weekend and see if it does anything nasty to him.

Oh yeah, and don't even bother trying to go fast.

[TonyN]

Then lend it to my mate who wants to drive to Winchester this weekend and see if it does anything nasty to him.

Remember what happened to Sumo's truck when a mate borrowed it!

Mates will NEVER drive your truck like you would, everyone says 'Lets just see what it will do......'

[Sancho]

He was in it when it spat all the coolant out in a blizzard at minus 10.

He also got to do the 25 hour journey home in taxis and hire cars.

I think he's more frightened of it than I am.

[Pauleds]

My 2.4 has a new Stevo engine and will do 80 all day no problems.It will do 95if pushed.!!
I suggest you top up your coolant.