Low Temp Radiator switch & thermostat

[Alex Mckenzie]

Hi all

anyone running Low Temp Radiator switch & thermostat in Australia ?
i've seen plenty posts about them, but nothing from Australia on a MK2 8v.


I'm in Brisbane, so generally a lot warmer/hotter than Europe. so would think may be worth looking at.

stock 95-81/102-91c

mid 85-74/93-82c

low 75-70/82-77c

any thought on running ( with a suitable Thermostat)- mid or low ??

[sports racer]

I think I'm running one. I've just bought the car from Qld so someone up there might have the same idea as you.

The fan runs even after a morning drive to work in Canberra. My temp gauge rarely goes over 1/4 and a few times this week after I turn the car off the fan is still working for an extra minute. It didn't happen this morning, probably because it was only 16C.

Cheers

Paul

[Alex Mckenzie]

I think I'm running one. I've just bought the car from Qld so someone up there might have the same idea as you.

The fan runs even after a morning drive to work in Canberra. My temp gauge rarely goes over 1/4 and a few times this week after I turn the car off the fan is still working for an extra minute. It didn't happen this morning, probably because it was only 16C.

Cheers

Paul

Cheers sports racer
How dose it perform ? Meaning dose it prevent the engine gritting to optimum temp, causing either over fuelling or under performance

[sports racer]

She runs really well.

I've got a 2 litre block under an 8v head with a mild cam and she likes to rev. Because I do lots of country driving each day the fuel consumption is around 6.5 l/100k. That includes 10k of city driving and 70k on the open road with some big hills each morning to work. The worst I've got with just me in the car was 7.5 l/100k which had more stop/start driving.

Even with 3 people and some luggage she still accelerated up the hills but fuel went into the 8's.

[golfmeup]

7.5 wow, I must have my foot down too often!

I thought Aussie imports were all fitted with the lower temp switch to help with the higher ambient temperatures?
I could be wrong.
Anyone else know about this?

[ryana89]

I've got a lower temp radiator switch than stock.
I still have a normal temp themostat though. Guage NEVER goes above halfway even in heavy traffic.

I have replaced every component in my cooling system, twice, though.
This is on a 2.0L 8v with pwr steering and (kinda) working A/C.

[sports racer]

Heavy traffic? In Wagga?

Is that when there are more than 5 cars on the street at the same time?

[ryana89]

Heavy traffic? In Wagga?

Is that when there are more than 5 cars on the street at the same time?

Haha,
Ironically I've had fuel pump surge/vapour lock on 45+ degree Wagga days sitting at traffic lights where the bitumen/road temp was well over steak cooking temperature.

[golfmeup]

I have only overheated once in Brisbane on a stinking hot summers day- not too different from the ones they have been having this year.

The problem was the water pump, since changing never gone over 1/2 way.
Running aircon does seem to lower the temp a bit as the fan is running all the time.

[Alex Mckenzie]

I often go over the half way mark, but just by a little, I've installed a alloy radiator, so might as well go for the mid switch, and see how she goes.
Running on the 1.8 block which I rebuild about a year ago, but if have a 2l bottom end siting there, may be worth chucking in.

Can I still use the same clutch/plate etc?
Can any one advise the co running on a 2l .. From whaT I've read 1.8% is the best for the 1.8l. May be the same with the 2l
Cheers