Faulty thermostat

[PDH]

Hello
I am new to this forum having just bought a 1992 Elan from Smokey on this website.
I am sure over the years I will have loads of questions about the car, at the moment I am just trying to renovate the car but my first question is about the thermostat.
The temp gauge needle very rarely gets off the bottom of the temp gauge and the heating in the car is barely warm.
The maximum boost I can get from the car is about 0.4bar and no more. Am I right in thinking that this sounds like the thermostat is stuck open hence the reason why the engine is running cool and the turbo is not giving me full boost.
Is it correct to say that I should get full boost when the engine is at normal operating temperature and I floor the throttle (large throttle opening).
Thanks in advance for any help.
Kindest regards
Paul

[muley]

Paul

It does sound like your thermostat is stuck open. It's a common challenge on M100 Elans. Its' better than having it stuck shut though

I'd replace it - they're cheap and it is an easy job.

Not sure about the boost though - maybe the gauge isn't as accurate as it might be.

Cheers

Jim

[Specky]

Welcome..

have a look at the Wiki to...

are you sure you know nothing about the Elan Mr Paul Matty..

TTFN

[PDH]

Thanks for your replies.
The Paul Matty thing is purely coincidental although I do have a good understanding of cars.
I ask about the boost as the car seems slow and was under the impression that the engine management system limits the boost to .4 bar until the water temp is at normal operating temp. As my car doesnt get to normal operating temp i wondered if this is what the engine management system was doing.

Kindest regards
Paul

[PDH]

Sorry in my excitement i forgot to ask what is wiki

Paul

[tweetdriver63]

Sorry in my excitement i forgot to ask what is wiki

Paul

Look up to the top of the page, just under the LEC logo banner. Click the WikiLEC link. There's a huge amount of info there.

The boost is limited to .65 bar, unless the car is modified with a different chip or manual boost controller. I don't know about any limit in the boost related to operating temperature, so I'll differ to more knowledgable members on that one.

The thermostat is available easily. Every parts supplier in the world has them under '91 Isuzu Impulse RS turbo.

Your thermostat could be stuck open. When the car is driven, then sits at idle, so the temp increases, where does it go to on the gauge? Normal operating temp (when moving) is about the 1/4 mark on the gauge. The fans will kick in when it gets up to about the 3/4 mark, unless a lower temp fan switch is installed, which I recommend. Get it at rodneydickman.com. It's listed there for the Pontiac Fiero, and get the 200 degree switch.

[GeoffSmith]

I ask about the boost as the car seems slow and was under the impression that the engine management system limits the boost to .4 bar until the water temp is at normal operating temp.

Spot on. You won't get full boost until the engine is up to temperature. From what you've described, a stuck open thermostat is highly likely, although the heater isn't going to keep you warm in Winter where you live!

Whereabouts in the NE are you anyway - Tyneside, Mackemside or Smogside?

[Sy V]

Oh, I wonder which one the Geordie author of that question's from... ?

[PDH]

Thanks for all your replies.

I wasnt aware that it was the same thermostat as the one in the Isuzu Impulse. I will try and get one local up here in smog city!
Once again thanks for your replies and I am sure I will be using ths forum more as I continue to own and drive the car.
The one good thing I have noticed is that after I have driven my elan, driving my second car, a 90,000 mile Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 CDTi feels like the most luxurious and quiet car in the world!
But what I have noticed on this forum already is the help people are willing to give freely. I dabble rather poorly in shares and used to go on share forums but stopped because of the imature back stabbing, this forum is a breath of fresh air, keep it up and many thanks.

Take care
Paul

[Dave Eds]

But what I have noticed on this forum already is the help people are willing to give freely.

You could always make a donation to the LEC coffers via Geoffsmith though

Welcome

[GeoffSmith]

I've done some more investigation and it looks like a 1000cc Mini 1969-1992 'stat. Wiki updated.

[PDH]

Went and bought the halfords model number one in wiki and will fit it soon.
Cost me £5.99 with gaskets.
How do I make a donation to the coffers.

Paul

[GeoffSmith]

How very kind. Cheques and electronic transfers are preferred - PayPal is positively frowned upon. Let me know and I'll PM you the details.