correct operating temp-xantia petrol

_kid_ · Unread post by **_kid_** » 21 Jan 2006, 19:15

Can anyone give advice as to what the correct engine temperature is for a 1.8 16v 1996 petrol xantia. mine says at 70c when under low load (e.g. motorway driving) and rises to around 83c before both fans operate. Is this correct?

everything else seems ok ie no coolant loss, both fans ok, heater nice and warm

, do i need to worry?

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 21 Jan 2006, 20:41

70 sounds a little bit low.

My 2.0i petrol runs at 80 and the fans come on low at about 85.

There is no harm in it running a bit colder but it may use a bit more fuel. Not sure if the 1.8 is supposed to run at a lower temperature though, better wait for someone with a 1.8 to respond.

Regards,
Simon

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 21 Jan 2006, 20:42

Sounds to me as though your thermostat has failed. This is quite important with fuel injection as one of the parameters the system measures is engine temperature.

To test start the car from cold and feel the top hose. It should remain cold until the thermostat opens then get hot very quickly. Better to measure it with a thermometer but this method will usually work.

_kid_ · Unread post by **_kid_** » 22 Jan 2006, 12:54

thanks i will try out the test. does anyone have a 1.8 16v late 96- onwards, if so what temperature does it run at so i can be sure its the 'stat.

mandrake, my petrol consumption is a bit high. Around low to mid 20's (mpg) aroung town with lots of cold starts, and around 30mpg combined. how much would a failing stat effect mpg?

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 22 Jan 2006, 14:36

Quinton Hazell list one stat only for the 1.8 16 valve from 95 onwards - 83 degrees.

The catalogue is downloadable from the QH site.

_kid_ · Unread post by **_kid_** » 22 Jan 2006, 15:22

jeremy wrote:Quinton Hazell list one stat only for the 1.8 16 valve from 95 onwards - 83 degrees.

The catalogue is downloadable from the QH site.

So is 83 when the fans come on, or is this what the normal operating temp should be? As the fans do come at 83. The temp remains at 70, unless stop start driving where it will increase slightly.

ive 'tested' the top hose, it felt warm at around 70, and felt much warmer at 83, should this be the case?

Homer · Unread post by **Homer** » 23 Jan 2006, 07:53

_kid_ wrote: ive 'tested' the top hose, it felt warm at around 70, and felt much warmer at 83, should this be the case?

83 is when the thermostat opens. You should have no hot water in the top hose before that. Normal operating temperature should be a little above but the gauge won't be that accurate.

_kid_ · Unread post by **_kid_** » 23 Jan 2006, 14:36

thanks all. i'll fit a new 'stat and see how it goes, and post update.

seems like the majority of xantias are diesels

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 23 Jan 2006, 19:03

_kid_ wrote:thanks all. i'll fit a new 'stat and see how it goes, and post update.

seems like the majority of xantias are diesels

Only in the UK

Over here, they're a novelty...

Regards,
Simon