Topic: DIY cool running thermostat (Read 5273 times)

Tezray · « **on:** 10 August 2006, 19:02:59 »

Just a quick question.....When i rebuild the mv6 i was thinking of cutting a tiny amount from the spring in the thermotat to make it open at a slightly lower temperature (extremely inaccurate i know), in an attempt to make my own DIY cool running thermostat. What are peoples opinions on this? Bad idea?

I know some people may say leave it be, but doing a lot of town driving my engine reaches temperature quite quickly, sucks in a load of hot air and feels a little bit 'flat' because of this. So i've been considering a cool running stat for a while....Any thoughts?

Cheers

hotel21 · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 August 2006, 19:17:36 »

When the belt/followers/tensioners/water pump/thermostat was done on mine, I continued a habit of numerous years by drilling a 2mm hole in the face of the 'stat so that if, for some reason, it jammed shut there was at least some water circulating through it.

I suppose this would have a similar effect as you are proposing, causing it to take a bit longer to reach operating temp?

Someone cleve will no doubt advise.

B

Kev · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 August 2006, 20:37:02 »

Quote

When the belt/followers/tensioners/water pump/thermostat was done on mine, I continued a habit of numerous years by drilling a 2mm hole in the face of the 'stat so that if, for some reason, it jammed shut there was at least some water circulating through it.

I suppose this would have a similar effect as you are proposing, causing it to take a bit longer to reach operating temp?

Someone cleve will no doubt advise.

B

That is a right good idea Bruce.

Why didn't i think of doing that when i just changed mine last week. Especially when my old one was doing exactly what you said, sticking shut. :-/

mr des · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 August 2006, 21:17:05 »

in the good old days all thermostats had a small hole drilled in them to aid circulation of coolant around the system after changing. there is/used to be an add in car mchanics mag for coolant which claimed to reduce engine temp by something like 20% il look it up if i get a chance or if someone knows off hand..

Elite Pete · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 August 2006, 22:07:04 »

There's a product called water wetter which is supposed to lower running temperatures but ive never tried it.

Tezray · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 August 2006, 10:30:05 »

I've heard of water wetter too....supposedly does help to bring down engine temps.

So no idea's on the spring then? Should i leave it be? Drilling a hole in the stat doesn't overly appeal i must admit lol

mr des · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 August 2006, 10:36:43 »

dont see how it could hurt so long as you dont go too big, at the end of the day you will just need a new one, you could of course do a trial run with no stat in to see if it makes a big difference before drilling holes

Jay w · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 August 2006, 10:44:41 »

out of the two ideas i would gfo with drilling a hole.

cutting the spring is such an inaccurate science that you could end up with the stat opening too early and the car running cold all the time (just as bad as not opening at all)

Either that, if you can afford it buy a cool running stat

RolandL · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 August 2006, 10:47:35 »

Redline Water wetter. "Cooling system heat transfer agent for use with coolant to "wet" heat transfer surfaces by 50%. This provides significantly better coolant contact in cylinder head and can reduce coolant and head temps by as much as 30degF. does not alter freezing point.

335ml bottle approx £16.50.

not yet used it myself, but have heard it does what it says on the bottle. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 August 2006, 10:58:10 »

I would leave the stat etc as it is.....its not just a random choice of type.

Tezray · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 August 2006, 11:14:26 »

Hmmm, ok. Well it would probably be best to leave it alone then.....I will definately be trying water wetter though!

It's just it runs and perform's much better at around 92.5 degree's rather than 95 or abit higher.....I know cutting the stat spring is dodgy though lol

I'll have a look for a cool running stat, do they work by just having a softer spring fitted though? So it'll open earlier?

x25xe · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 August 2006, 14:34:44 »

I thought that Antifreeze also has a "water wetter" agent built in?? If so, then is there any advantage to be gained from adding more I wonder?

If you do use and find it better perhaps you could post your results?

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 August 2006, 14:41:06 »

Its not the springs that change, its the wax temp sensitive insert so modifying the spring will probably only result in it being permanently open.

As for cool running stats, my personal opinion is that they offer no benefits given our climate etc.

And water wetter realy only has a place in older cars, modern anti freeze has it any way and it does little more than break down the water surface tension in pretty mucy the same way detergent does...

Tezray · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 August 2006, 21:42:32 »

Is there anything you don't have an answer to?!

Not that it's unappreciated

JasonH · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 August 2006, 10:17:50 »

One thing that springs to my mind is: is the car running slightly warm or perhaps is the temperature gauge / sender slightly out......

I think that before you go modifying anything you need to check the coolant temperature with something accurate.

johnny.dee · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 August 2006, 14:54:15 »

Continueing the discussion on antifreeze and water wetter. I have a turbo on my sports car and it is prone to getting hot, the remedy during the summer, is to refill the radiator with a smaller dilution of antifreeze. Antifreeze is not a good agent for heat transference, this is well documented. Water wetter is also used in high performance cars, not just old ones. During my trips to Italy, I found that using water wetter reduced the engine temperatures by 15 degrees when driving and the turbo on full song.

DmcL · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 August 2006, 19:15:17 »

a cheap way to slightly reduce temps is to remove the plastic sump brush guard. i have mine off as one side is cracked and i had to remove it to have a nosey around the bottom of the engine. i found it runs a little cooler and is free and can be done in about 5 minutes.

Matchless · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 August 2006, 10:28:41 »

Quote

a cheap way to slightly reduce temps is to remove the plastic sump brush guard. i have mine off as one side is cracked and i had to remove it to have a nosey around the bottom of the engine. i found it runs a little cooler and is free and can be done in about 5 minutes.

Make sure you put the undertray back on before the winter or else your alternator and aircon compressor bearings will suffer.

Tezray · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 August 2006, 11:43:32 »

My MV6 has never had one since i owned it! Probably got 'misplaced' by the plod when they owned it

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 August 2006, 11:46:10 »

The plod boys use a big hefty metal one......like the one on my Estate (must post a pic!)

Tezray · « **Reply #20 on:** 17 August 2006, 11:53:28 »

I don't have one

Can i have yours??

I'll get looking on ebay before winter me thinks....

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #21 on:** 17 August 2006, 21:53:09 »

I think its metal to stop them damaging the sump when they run over car thieves...

DmcL · « **Reply #22 on:** 18 August 2006, 13:18:55 »

wonder if anywhere sells the metal ones or do they have to be got from ex cop cars? roads here in N.I. are attrocious at times and im planning to lower the car 45mm which isnt really that low, i should know ive had lower, but with the wheelbase and track of the omega id still like a metal guard "just incase" :-?

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Author Topic: DIY cool running thermostat (Read 5273 times)