Aargh... 'ere wi go!
Discussion
It had to happen guys. Three weeks and 600 miles later and got me first problem...
Temperature got to about 115 degrees in heavy traffic. I wasn't too worried until I set off in clear traffic and the temp wouldn't go down below 110. Pulled off the road for 10 mins and killed the engine, but after restarting journey, the temp was 110 immediately. I've checked all the obvious things (for a NON-mechanic), but it seems fine to me. All this happened yesterday, and today I've been okay coz traffic to work not too bad. Should I panic, cry or get the dealer to check it out? Or is there more simple checks I can do. Thanks.
spooky
Temperature got to about 115 degrees in heavy traffic. I wasn't too worried until I set off in clear traffic and the temp wouldn't go down below 110. Pulled off the road for 10 mins and killed the engine, but after restarting journey, the temp was 110 immediately. I've checked all the obvious things (for a NON-mechanic), but it seems fine to me. All this happened yesterday, and today I've been okay coz traffic to work not too bad. Should I panic, cry or get the dealer to check it out? Or is there more simple checks I can do. Thanks.
spooky
Were the fans on? If they were then it may be a gaugey problem, if not then suspect the otter switch or a fuse.
If you're not sure, then when you get home leave the car running for a few minutes while stationary - the fans should kick in around 85-95 degrees (depending on gauge accuracy and switch setting etc.). If the car gets to 100 without the fans coming on then suspect the above.
BTW, it the temperature were really 110/115 you should be able to 'smell' the car is too hot. The expansion cap will probably be fizzing a bit too. If this is the case and the fans are running then something nasty is going on - get to a dealer quickly.
T/.
If you're not sure, then when you get home leave the car running for a few minutes while stationary - the fans should kick in around 85-95 degrees (depending on gauge accuracy and switch setting etc.). If the car gets to 100 without the fans coming on then suspect the above.
BTW, it the temperature were really 110/115 you should be able to 'smell' the car is too hot. The expansion cap will probably be fizzing a bit too. If this is the case and the fans are running then something nasty is going on - get to a dealer quickly.
T/.
Bossipilities include a blocked radiator/cooling sytem. A non-functioning thermostat (staying closed) or a nasty airlock in the system. Since you've been driving the car and it was fine up to now I'd guess there isn't anything majorly wrong mechanically. However, you could have blown a seal (ooer) with the initial boil.
Chimaeras do get through the odd radiator - mine had a new one when I bought it (3 yrs old at the time).
Good luck.
Trefor/.
Chimaeras do get through the odd radiator - mine had a new one when I bought it (3 yrs old at the time).
Good luck.
Trefor/.
Was the heater roasting? Low fluid levels or air in the system will make the heater blow cold. Also, the passenger footwell will 'gurgle' if there's air in the system. My last chim's temp guage was naff. The otter switch failed and I just managed to stop it boiling over, the temp guage read 82. There could be a chance the engine wasn't as hot as the guage says it is :/ Myu current chim 500, reads 110 in slow traffic, fans com eon shortly after though. But when it does get that high i was suprised how long i had to drive on a clear road before the temp came down.
Edited by RobM on Thursday 25th October 14:17
Edited by RobM on Thursday 25th October 14:17
Rob - they cool down a lot faster with a front splitter. Something about negative air pressure being created in the engine bay and dragging more air through the radiator. Worked for me. My car wasn't overheating or anything, I just thought I would try a splitter as fitted by TVR to some Chimaeras.
Not necessarily linked spookybuz (sorry to hear of your woes BTW!), I heard from my servicing guy that if you earth the radiator with a piece of cable, the static electricity that normally builds up from the fan is allowed to ground to the chassis. This static causes premature radiator failure.
Hush your mouth boy & show a bit more backbone ! Lotus = Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious
The (over)heating problem should be easy to fix, i had same sort of problem when i got mine (except it was identified when I had the car checked over before buying it). A new radiator core, and a new 'lower temp' Otter switch have improved things no end + I am about to fit slightly smaller plate to increase air flow.
Other than a solanoid problem with the central locking, then touch fibreglass it has been no trouble.
Don't go away just yet & don't listen to that Yaris salesman
The (over)heating problem should be easy to fix, i had same sort of problem when i got mine (except it was identified when I had the car checked over before buying it). A new radiator core, and a new 'lower temp' Otter switch have improved things no end + I am about to fit slightly smaller plate to increase air flow.
Other than a solanoid problem with the central locking, then touch fibreglass it has been no trouble.
Don't go away just yet & don't listen to that Yaris salesman
Hang in there Spooky!
Mine was running above 110 degrees about half an hour after I picked it up from the dealer when I brought it. It wouldn't start when I turned the engine off too... I know, you get really worried 'coz you've only just got it, but it'll all be fine!
Drop 'er into the dealer. Get them to adjust the thermostat. More than likely yours is giving you hassle. Mine wouldn't run at less than 110 and in traffic at one point went up to 120! Thought I was actually going to start roasting! Now the problem is fixed it hasn't gone over 90, even in really heavy West End traffic!
Good luck!
- ChimaeraWolf
- P56 SAH - Black Chimaera 4.0
Mine was running above 110 degrees about half an hour after I picked it up from the dealer when I brought it. It wouldn't start when I turned the engine off too... I know, you get really worried 'coz you've only just got it, but it'll all be fine!
Drop 'er into the dealer. Get them to adjust the thermostat. More than likely yours is giving you hassle. Mine wouldn't run at less than 110 and in traffic at one point went up to 120! Thought I was actually going to start roasting! Now the problem is fixed it hasn't gone over 90, even in really heavy West End traffic!
Good luck!
- ChimaeraWolf
- P56 SAH - Black Chimaera 4.0
Just been to the pub to celebrate... Dealer phoned about 8pm to inform me that the... um... otter switch thingummy was the problem. Mate took me down to pick the car up, and before I left, they left the car idling for 15mins to prove the fault was fixed. I was a litle nonplussed (old doubts coming back etc!) but even though they didn't charge me a penny for fixing the prob, they gave me fifty quid to fill up with the 'owd petroleum. Nice touch! On the way home I really burned, then got into traffic. Temp reached 95-ish and then get this...
IT DIDN'T GET ANY HIGHER!!!
After another 50 or so miles I got home, went out to celebrate, and have just read the beast a bed time story - "Love Story". lolol
Spooky "feelin' better" Buz
IT DIDN'T GET ANY HIGHER!!!
After another 50 or so miles I got home, went out to celebrate, and have just read the beast a bed time story - "Love Story". lolol
Spooky "feelin' better" Buz
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