Cold engine?

[JnP]

Since the bigining of the winter I've had a hard time warming up the engine while driving. Whenever I would stop, the engine's oil temp would rise to above 60 but while driving it would go down sometimes under 50 degrees.
Now that's rather annoying Especially since I follow by the letter the rule of not going above 2500rpm under 65 degrees.

Any idea if it's a fault in the sensor or if I should get something to keep the engine warm?

[Diablos-666]

99% sensor issue i'd say.

The engine will be fully warmed up after 20mins or so. If you don't believe me then try unscrewing the dipstick with your bare hands after a run out

[boobles]

Can't answer the question, but why have you posted this in the same forum 5 times?

[Alexdaredevilz]

boobles said:

Can't answer the question, but why have you posted this in the same forum 5 times?

My guess he is on a iPhone

[JnP]

Alexdaredevilz said:

My guess he is on a iPhone

That's right, sorry I couldn't delete them!

So, you sure it's a sensor issue? An acquaintance of mine has a T350 and it has the same issue, I thought it was the cold weather...

[Diablos-666]

The sensor might be fine, it's more it's positioning.

I'm pretty sire It's the airflow causing it to drop when you're on the move. Some people have been known to insulate it to prevent what's happening.

You don't really want to be revving its nuts off on these cold roads anyway. Normal driving (under 4k revs) will be fine if your oil temp is 50degs.

[duff-man]

This....

Diablos-666 said:

The sensor might be fine, it's more it's positioning.

I'm pretty sure It's the airflow causing it to drop when you're on the move. Some people have been known to insulate it to prevent what's happening.

[JnP]

You mean insulate the sensor ?
I def don't exceed 3000 rpm when the engine is under 60degrees and when the road is cold I'm extra careful. It concerned me as i thought i had an engine prob of some sort. Thanks for the advice could anyone point me out where is the sensor located now so I can insulate the mofo

Diablos-666 said:

The sensor might be fine, it's more it's positioning.

I'm pretty sire It's the airflow causing it to drop when you're on the move. Some people have been known to insulate it to prevent what's happening.

You don't really want to be revving its nuts off on these cold roads anyway. Normal driving (under 4k revs) will be fine if your oil temp is 50degs.

[nawarne]

The noil temp sensor is on the side of the dry sump tank....and probably in the direct airflow through the rad(s)....I know - I've just changed mine!

So - it's probably more a function of ambient than a failed sensor.

I bet a few minutes in slow moving traffic will soon get the oil temp up.
Nick

[Diablos-666]

nawarne said:

The noil temp sensor is on the side of the dry sump tank....and probably in the direct airflow through the rad(s)....I know - I've just changed mine!

So - it's probably more a function of ambient than a failed sensor.

I bet a few minutes in slow moving traffic will soon get the oil temp up.
Nick

Did you re- position yours so it was out of the direct airflow?

[deeen]

Could it be a thermostat stuck open?

[JnP]

We'll I don't know if it's stuck open, it's exactly as said above, when I slow down the temp instantly rises !

[VARLEYHYD]

Fit plumbers 15mm pipe insulation over sensor and problem solved!

G

[nawarne]

Diablos-666 said:

nawarne said:

The noil temp sensor is on the side of the dry sump tank....and probably in the direct airflow through the rad(s)....I know - I've just changed mine!

So - it's probably more a function of ambient than a failed sensor.

I bet a few minutes in slow moving traffic will soon get the oil temp up.
Nick

Did you re- position yours so it was out of the direct airflow?

No - the oil temp thermistor screws into a boss on the tank, so without removing the tank, welding and then physically changing the position to (say) the rear of the tank, you have to go with what's there.

I see Graham has posted and suggested wrapping pipe insulation over the sensor. Although I'd say that if your doing m-way or fast A road speeds the wind chill on the whole tank must be significant.
Nick

[JnP]

Thaïs everyone for the info you are helpin me out and a fellow French owner :-). Would any of you have a picture of a sensor that has been insulated?
Do any of you know if it's the same on a T350 and on a Tuscan ?

[nawarne]

Jonathon,
Perhaps the simplest way of viewing the sensor is to jack the car up and remove the offside (right hand side) front wheel.

With the wheel removed, look through the chassis at the dry sump oil tank, it's pretty obvious - a large aliminium tank at the front of the chassis. At the base of the tank on the RH side (side with wheel off) you'll see the sensor and wiring...it's pretty unmistakeable. I guess Graham Varley means to get some 15mm pipe insulation to wrap around the sensor and boss...maybe tie-wrap it in place.

bonne chance.
Nick

[dvs_dave]

Whilst you're at it, also insulate the airbox temp sensor in the same way. It suffers from heat soak in slow traffic which throws off the ecu and leads to rough and lumpy running.

[JnP]

Thanks for the info people I'll try to explain this in French. Now by right side you mean side where the steering wheel is?
Because RHD is different whether you are in the car or looking at it from the other side :-D

[Cayman48]

Hello Guys I'm Frederic from France

Jonathan and I have the same problem. He started this post for both of us.

I'am the owner for 2 weeks of a T350...there is only 3 register in France.
I'm going to insulate the thermostat.
Once it's done is there any procedure to check the temperature of an engine ? with a thermometer pointing somewhere in the engine ? I'd like to make sure that the sensor says a right temperature.



Thanks and long life to TVR enthousiasts !

Edited by Cayman48 on Monday 6th February 15:03

Edited by Cayman48 on Monday 6th February 15:03

[nawarne]

JnP said:

Thanks for the info people I'll try to explain this in French. Now by right side you mean side where the steering wheel is?
Because RHD is different whether you are in the car or looking at it from the other side :-D

Aah! when I replied previously, I wondered if there might be some confusion on "sides".

On an 'English' car - yes, RH side is the side with the steering wheel. Basically, if you sit in the car....looking forward...it is on the right hand side!

Bonne chance!
Nick