hi,
Some days ago (when the cold days arrived) I noticed that the engine won't
warm up to the normal temperature (or it does it very slowly) and if ever
reaches operating temperature, it cools down on driving at low rpm.
'92 XE model.
Expert colleague: "replace thermostat, it's very easy"
OK, invested $5, located Haynes book and thermostat housing, drained radiator.
(actually, I wasn't able to remove the air bleed plug (the rubber one at the
hose elbow, because it stuck there - the rubber is so old that I wasn't able
to move it)
tried to remove thermostat housing, no success. I wasn't able to remove the
rubber hose to the th. housing (again, so old and stiff rubber). I decided not
no risk to cut or peel it off with an edged tool because of poor reachability
and no clearance to work (and of lack of expertise at such job). My hand is
just too big to fit there. Project abandoned.
So refilled the fluid (after that, the car wouldn't start - I must have
spilled fluid to some odd place - altough I tried to be careful. Waited 3-4
hours to dry, and tried again - wow. big relief - adventures of a beginner :-)
Having refilled the fluid, now it seems that the (old) thermostat is working
properly (don't ask me why). I was happy - till I noticed today a large puddle
of coolant fluid under the car.
I've touched every part I have fiddled with yesterday with my fingers, but
everyting was dry. The drops came from somewhere in the middle and behind the
engine. Moved the car a bit, and dropping just stopped. The system works, and
there's still a sufficient amount of fluid in the reservoir. I just can't
imagine where the drops came from. I've re-filled with the old coolant, so I
didn't put in too much.
Any ideas for the reason of leaking (and the place ?) Sorry for the long
letter.
TIA,
Tivadar
