Engine running temp of S1

[bathbeckham]

I just picked up my 1998 S plate S1 today. Drove it back to Bath for 2 hours and the running temperature varied between 72-79 degrees. I've read that it should run at an average of 87 degrees and any less than this could indicate a problem with the thermostat which could end up in the dreaded head gasket failure. Is there a problem with my running temp?

By the way, what a great car.... come on!

[fergusd]

The thermostats are usually reliable, less reliable, however, are the stack (instrument pod) temp sender, this quite often drifts out of tolerance over a few years and can produce an unusual temp reading.

Also worth checking with the previous owner if they fitted an 82 degrees thermostat, many do (somewhat pointlessly).

If everything points to the temp sender it's rover part, check out the www.elise-faq.info cooling section for info . . .

Fd

[Davey S1]

Mine runs at an almost constant 84 unless I'm stuck in traffic when it rises to about 86

[Charisma]

My S1 used to run at a constant 82 deg.C, my S2 seems to run a bit hotter at 89 deg.C.

There will be a small variation between cars as the sensors are not that accurate.

[LewJez]

Should not be a problem - the S2 runs at up to 102 in heavy traffic then drops down to 'normal' once moving. If anything serious starts to go wrong the EMS system will let you know. Search out some of the better internet sites on the Elise - they should reassure you.

[h8trj]

I can't imagine that you will have a prob if it is remaining constant. My S1 sits at 87 most of the time. I didn't even think to look this up! If in doubt, go to an expert. Having ridden watercooled bikes with electronic instruments for years, a low temp reading has never been a prob, and as previous postings say - much more likely just to be inaccurate. Enjoy...