Have just acquired Xantia 2.0 SX 8v 1994.
Engine runs consistently hot at 80-90 degrees. Assume that this is way above the norm.
Any particular things/known problems that I should be looking for.
I intend to change the coolant following the 13 printed pages of advice from ShaunTheSheep's post [any tips for upcoming coolant change][http://www.andyspares.org/discussionfor ... IC_ID=1612]
Darren
<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Xantia running hot!
Moderator: RichardW
I don't think that's too hot actually. And if it is I have a problem too <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>
My car constantly runs around those temps too, never overheated not even in summer with 30 degs outside sitting in a traffic jam. My car does however take too long to heat up so I shall probably replace the thermostat soon.
Enjoy,
Niek.
My car constantly runs around those temps too, never overheated not even in summer with 30 degs outside sitting in a traffic jam. My car does however take too long to heat up so I shall probably replace the thermostat soon.
Enjoy,
Niek.
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shaunthesheep
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My car (Xantia 1.8i desire, 1997) normally runs at 65-70 degrees. In Traffic jams it sometimes goes up to about 85 degrees, but then the fan cuts in and brings it down.
I always thought the temp on my car was on the low side though as my previous car (Ford Escort)almost seems to run around 90 degrees. Maybe a buggered sensor? What is normal for a Xantia anyway?
Cheers,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I always thought the temp on my car was on the low side though as my previous car (Ford Escort)almost seems to run around 90 degrees. Maybe a buggered sensor? What is normal for a Xantia anyway?
Cheers,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I don't think you've got a problem.
A look at the fan switch that suits your car would answer it for sure as the temps are usually stamped on the base of them.
My BX 16V was always running around the 100 mark that could creep up to 110 in traffic, which became a worry in our Tropical summers in traffic with temps in the shade to over 40 at times, so I fitted a switch from a BX diesel that cut in I think it was about 95 & out at 88. That keeps my engine at around an average 90 - 92 degrees and gives the fans a chance in Summer.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the engine will boil at 100 deg C as under pressure, the boiling point is raised. I used to have an early CX that the "normal running temmp" was 112 degrees from memory.
Alan S
A look at the fan switch that suits your car would answer it for sure as the temps are usually stamped on the base of them.
My BX 16V was always running around the 100 mark that could creep up to 110 in traffic, which became a worry in our Tropical summers in traffic with temps in the shade to over 40 at times, so I fitted a switch from a BX diesel that cut in I think it was about 95 & out at 88. That keeps my engine at around an average 90 - 92 degrees and gives the fans a chance in Summer.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the engine will boil at 100 deg C as under pressure, the boiling point is raised. I used to have an early CX that the "normal running temmp" was 112 degrees from memory.
Alan S
My 1994 Xantia 2.0 8-valve will run at anywhere between 62-91 degrees depending on speed, traffic and outside temperature.
At the moment on the motorway the temperature will never go above 70 degress which I think is too low, in town it will run at about 70-80 degrees depending on the traffic speed. But everything must be working as it should, as the fans cut in at 91 degrees as they should when I'm stuck in traffic, and the engine never overheats that's for sure.
If its running at 80-90 degrees normally, I wouldn't worry, but changing the coolant wouldn't be a bad idea, just to see if there is any sign of corrosion, which might be hindering normal cooling of the engine. I had the coolant changed in my car two weeks ago and it was clear of any corrosion, so I'm assuming my car is as fit as a flea, and is running normally.
At the moment on the motorway the temperature will never go above 70 degress which I think is too low, in town it will run at about 70-80 degrees depending on the traffic speed. But everything must be working as it should, as the fans cut in at 91 degrees as they should when I'm stuck in traffic, and the engine never overheats that's for sure.
If its running at 80-90 degrees normally, I wouldn't worry, but changing the coolant wouldn't be a bad idea, just to see if there is any sign of corrosion, which might be hindering normal cooling of the engine. I had the coolant changed in my car two weeks ago and it was clear of any corrosion, so I'm assuming my car is as fit as a flea, and is running normally.
Somewhere around the 80 degree mark is ideal for an engine to run efficiently. Anything wildly outside this will cause fuel consumption problems and possibly give other engine components a harder time. Diesels will naturally warm up slower due to them being more efficient than petrol equivalents. However, this also means that for the first couple of miles the petrols are better on fuel to useful work efficiency. In order to minimise this problem for the first few miles, I suggest you leave the heater fans off until the car is around 60 degrees or so, it will warm up much faster without them on. (tested for engine research). You'll just have to get used to colder pinkies for the first 5 mins. Gaz
Gaz,
I'd be interested to hear your reasoning for the petrol being better in the fuel to useful work efficiency...
Surely, as far as propulsion is concerned, useful work is turning the chemical potential energy in the diesel to kinetic energy - ie. movement.
If you're turning some of that energy into heat as a by-product of this conversion, then that is wasteful.
How wasteful it is depends on whether the ambient temperature is -10C and you would like the car warm - very useful for you but not very economical, or if the ambient temperature is 25C ( hello Alan ! ), where you don't want additional heat - in this case the heat is worthless.
The modern diesel engines don't create much wasteful heat ( particularly the VAG TDi ), therefore they provide heater boosters ( usually electric ) which use the electrical energy created by the alternator, using the kinetic energy efficiently generated without much wasted heat from the engine.
Now, since petrol engines burn more fuel per mile / minute, AND burn even more of it until they're warmed up, I would think that diesels produce more 'useful work' !
Anyway, getting back to the topic...
For what it's worth, my 94 Xantia TD runs at 60C on the motorway at a constant 60mph load, but will rise to 90C in town traffic.
Mat.
I'd be interested to hear your reasoning for the petrol being better in the fuel to useful work efficiency...
Surely, as far as propulsion is concerned, useful work is turning the chemical potential energy in the diesel to kinetic energy - ie. movement.
If you're turning some of that energy into heat as a by-product of this conversion, then that is wasteful.
How wasteful it is depends on whether the ambient temperature is -10C and you would like the car warm - very useful for you but not very economical, or if the ambient temperature is 25C ( hello Alan ! ), where you don't want additional heat - in this case the heat is worthless.
The modern diesel engines don't create much wasteful heat ( particularly the VAG TDi ), therefore they provide heater boosters ( usually electric ) which use the electrical energy created by the alternator, using the kinetic energy efficiently generated without much wasted heat from the engine.
Now, since petrol engines burn more fuel per mile / minute, AND burn even more of it until they're warmed up, I would think that diesels produce more 'useful work' !
Anyway, getting back to the topic...
For what it's worth, my 94 Xantia TD runs at 60C on the motorway at a constant 60mph load, but will rise to 90C in town traffic.
Mat.
Mat,
Yes..correct...sorry for the confusion, I was still working whilst writing post.
What I mean by that is that petrols (as we know drink more juice per mile) are more wasteful of their energy by producing heat. This has the advantage of warming up the engine quicker there-by getting the car to its most efficient state (fully warm) quicker. Even in that state the petrols are less efficient for producing the useful work. It seems that if you need the car for short journeys, there is no difference in using petrol or diesel. They balance out somewhere after a few short miles and then the diesels run away with it after that. As for the car heating..its all up to personal preference I would rather see the car get warm before me, I use it a lot and like take care of it and vice versa.
As for my car..'93 TD SX 193k 79-83 degrees
On the same sort of subject, I would be interested to know any experiences of electric heaters ie aftermarket for warming the car before the engine heats up..I realise the energy conversion, 12v 10 amp bits etc etc..anybody use wagon-style night-heaters that use the diesel? Thanks
Gaz
Yes..correct...sorry for the confusion, I was still working whilst writing post.
What I mean by that is that petrols (as we know drink more juice per mile) are more wasteful of their energy by producing heat. This has the advantage of warming up the engine quicker there-by getting the car to its most efficient state (fully warm) quicker. Even in that state the petrols are less efficient for producing the useful work. It seems that if you need the car for short journeys, there is no difference in using petrol or diesel. They balance out somewhere after a few short miles and then the diesels run away with it after that. As for the car heating..its all up to personal preference I would rather see the car get warm before me, I use it a lot and like take care of it and vice versa.
As for my car..'93 TD SX 193k 79-83 degrees
On the same sort of subject, I would be interested to know any experiences of electric heaters ie aftermarket for warming the car before the engine heats up..I realise the energy conversion, 12v 10 amp bits etc etc..anybody use wagon-style night-heaters that use the diesel? Thanks
Gaz
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OnlineRichardW
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Mat
>For what it's worth, my 94 Xantia TD runs at 60C on the motorway at >a constant 60mph load, but will rise to 90C in town traffic.
In that case it needs a nwe thermostat, as it shouldn't open until you reach around 80C, so the temp indicated once warmed up shouldn't fall much below 80 - my 95TD runs ay around 80, creeping upwards in traffic.
Richard
>For what it's worth, my 94 Xantia TD runs at 60C on the motorway at >a constant 60mph load, but will rise to 90C in town traffic.
In that case it needs a nwe thermostat, as it shouldn't open until you reach around 80C, so the temp indicated once warmed up shouldn't fall much below 80 - my 95TD runs ay around 80, creeping upwards in traffic.
Richard
Richard,
I wouldn't have thought I had a problem with the thermostat. It could just be, of course, that I drive economically, not thrashing the engine.
I tend to drive on the motorways at 60 - 65mph ( unless I'm late <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> ) When I do thrash it, or driving slowly up steep hills, the temperature soars.
I must admit that I haven't felt the radiator to see if it's warm after such a run, as inevitably it involves a wait on a slip-road, which raises the temperature, thus defeating the excersise.
I may have a check of it tomorrow evening from work.
Mat.
I wouldn't have thought I had a problem with the thermostat. It could just be, of course, that I drive economically, not thrashing the engine.
I tend to drive on the motorways at 60 - 65mph ( unless I'm late <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> ) When I do thrash it, or driving slowly up steep hills, the temperature soars.
I must admit that I haven't felt the radiator to see if it's warm after such a run, as inevitably it involves a wait on a slip-road, which raises the temperature, thus defeating the excersise.
I may have a check of it tomorrow evening from work.
Mat.
I'd urge caution before worrying too much about the absolute value indicated by the temp gauge. I don't know what the specification is in terms of accuracy but I would tend to use it more as a relative measure - ie worry if it it starts to read higher/lower than it usually does for no apparent reason.
Ron
Ron
Funnily, I was just contemplating my temp gauge this morning. Normally, the ZX (1.9D) runs at just below 90, but I noticed that it creeps up gradually in traffic. I will have to check that the fan comes on, because we are not even in hot summer temps yet.
How do people get such accurate values? The scale on the ZX is pretty vague, is it just wishful thinking, or have Xantias got more divisions on the scale?
How do people get such accurate values? The scale on the ZX is pretty vague, is it just wishful thinking, or have Xantias got more divisions on the scale?
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Jon
Hm.......
My ZX's have always run just below the "90" bit of the gauge. In traffic this will rise just over the 90 mark, and it pulls the fans in what I can accurately confirm is 92 degrees. I know this as the cut in temperatures are engraved into the thermo switch in the radiator! In fact its 92/97, the higher one being I suppose if the fans either work at low or high speed. Mr Burns?
Jon Wood
forum@andyspares.com
My ZX's have always run just below the "90" bit of the gauge. In traffic this will rise just over the 90 mark, and it pulls the fans in what I can accurately confirm is 92 degrees. I know this as the cut in temperatures are engraved into the thermo switch in the radiator! In fact its 92/97, the higher one being I suppose if the fans either work at low or high speed. Mr Burns?
Jon Wood
forum@andyspares.com