Thermostat

[KPS]

Hi,

I have been told my thermostat needs changing as it goes over the 90 degree mark when in traffic and then drop down just below when driving normally. I just need some advice as the car has only done 110k miles and the cambelt was changed at 80k something.

Is this safe to drive like this until the next cambelt change date which has many thousands of miles left to do, or does it need to be addressed straight away? Your advice/help would be greatly appreciated. If it was a cheap job then it would be a no brainer but as its an S8 the cambelt needs to come off and I would have to replace water pump as well.

Thanks in advance.

[Dezzy]

Mine runs cold (still )
But it's possible to change the thermostat without ripping everything apart i beleive. Knuckle scraper

[ainarssems]

On 32V it's easy job, 40V it's cambelt off.

If it only overheats in traffic check electric fans first

[jayzee]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

Mine runs cold (still )
But it's possible to change the thermostat without ripping everything apart i beleive. Knuckle scraper

Chances are the car is running too rich as the ECU thinks the engine is cold even when hot. Not good.

[Zip]

Agreed. I'm in the same boat - running cold. It's killing my economy at the moment.

Zip

[Nollywood]

On the 32V motor, the thermostat can be replaced with the timing belt in situ. With the 40V, it can still be done with the belt in place, but a bitch of a job.

I replaced the thermostat on a 2003 Audi S6, with a lot of effort, skinned knuckles, a busted nail and a lot of swearing. Tricky, but possible with belt in situ.

[jayzee]

Originally Posted by Zip

Agreed. I'm in the same boat - running cold. It's killing my economy at the moment.

Zip

Don't forget sooted plugs and dreaded bore wash with a rich running car - especially when the oil is hot and has thinned out