Heating/Cooling

[dishmop12]

I have just aquired a 1985 380SEC.

When I bought the car it had a few engine rattles and low oil-pressure. I fixed these problems but noticed that the cooling thermostat had been removed.

On fitting a new 'stat and running the engine up to temperature the dial went quite a way past what would be the normal position. I was expecting this as it usually happens when fitting new thermostats.

However, when driving the car on the road for approx 3 miles the temp gauge went up and up so I stopped and looked at the engine. There was no gushing water only a gurgle. I removed the filler cap and the water was not under pressure. The hoses were not too hot either.
The water in the plastic bottle went up and down a few times, then spilled some out then all seemed ok, so I assumed it was just an air-lock.
I allowed it to cool down for a few hours and then tried it again. Much the same thing happened but without the water moving or spilling from the plastic tank.

What I also notice is that there is very little heat coming into the passenger compartment of the car, but the hoses to the bulk head are getting hot.This could be the electric valve in the sytem not working I suppose, or the temp sensor in the car. I blew smoke up towards the vent above the mirror but nothing got sucked in.

Any body have any ideas please.

There is no air-con or climate control.

 

[landover]

Sounds like there is some air trapped in the system .

 

[mjtray]

Does sound like an air block in the system.

Take off the expansion tank cap and give the top and bottom radiator hoses a good squeeze and see if any air bubbles to the surface.

However, before doing that run the engine and then switch your heaters to max temperature and try and hear for a load of gurgles coming from the heating system behind the dash, if you do, it kind of confirms that you have got air in system.

You may have to drain the system and re-fill if you can't shift the air in the system. If this is the case make sure you refill the system slowly, and again make sure that you have your temperature dials turned to max.

Good luck

 

[dishmop12]

I'll give it a try.

 

[dishmop12]

I have resolved the problem of no heat in the car.

I tracked it down to the 12v valve thingy which controls the flow into/out of the heater. Luckily I had one spare. Now have hot feet.

 

[dishmop12]

Problem seems as if it hasnt gone.

Yesterday it decided that the thermostat wasnt going to open again, so I had to pull off the road and leave it ticking over until it did.

This morning I removed the thermo and poured boiling water over it. It opened and closed ok, but what I did find, and I dont know if it is relevant yet, was a little piece of rubbish stuck in the jiggle pin on the thermo. I bet this came form the watering can which I used to fill up.

Can anybody tell me where the tickover adjuster is. Looking on the CD I have for this engine doesnt make sense.