121 replies to this topic

[Kam]

My dad had a look and there's nothing, it was like it never existed. I definitely got an abuse mini

Don't worry thats normal

There is an engine temperature sensor which is screwed into your engine block which normally has a spade connector on 'our' side like so

http://www.ebay.co.u...t-/350626676186

And there is sometimes an engine coolant sensor fitted like the one above but they both look the same

Sorry my memory is a bit hazy with an a-series

The above is just a generic picture I used so you know what the spade connector looks like when you next go hunting in the engine bay, there should be a wire that attaches to this

Does your fuel gauge work?

[its_courts28]

My dad had a look and there's nothing, it was like it never existed. I definitely got an abuse mini

Don't worry thats normal

There is an engine temperature sensor which is screwed into your engine block which normally has a spade connector on 'our' side like so

http://www.ebay.co.u...t-/350626676186

And there is sometimes an engine coolant sensor fitted like the one above but they both look the same

Sorry my memory is a bit hazy with an a-series

The above is just a generic picture I used so you know what the spade connector looks like when you next go hunting in the engine bay, there should be a wire that attaches to this

Does your fuel gauge work?

No need to apologize I appreciate the help and patience people have with me. The fuel gauge works but not accurately like any other mini! When full it shows 3/4 Ish but when it was on red I filled up and it only took £20 to fill right up?

[its_courts28]

Quick update: looked for the wire that DAN said and I can't find it anywhere.

[Carlos W]

Right, if the thermostat is stuck open the engine will struggle to reach normal operating temperature and the heater will never get very hot however it should get warmish.

If the thermostat is stuck closed the engine will get too hot, and the heater would also get hot assuming there is flow of water through it.

If, after the engine has been running for half an hour (for arguments sake) opening the heater valve does not change the temperature of the hoses going to the heater matrix, then it is fair to say there is no water flowing through it!

Does anyone disagree with the above?

The temperature gauge would give a good indication that the engine is up to normal operating temperature, and that's why it would be good to know if it works!

Did you locate the sensor?

[Carlos W]

I also don't think there will be a wire coming off the gauge itself, there's a plug on it isn't and all the wiring goes into the loom doesn't it?

[its_courts28]

I found the sensor behind the head if I remember rightly and it's the right one? But no wire anywhere. I drove around 20 minutes and had it ticking over for about 10 so it should have been warm. The pipe form the radiator to thermostat got hot-Ish but the heater doesn't want to work. When you squeeze the pipe I mentioned above you can hear water gushing, either to the thermostat or back into the radiator but it doesn't seem to go near the valve or into the heater pipes for some reason. The thermostat is new and since changing the valve there's no water reaching it so its like the matrix isn't receiving any water at all

[sonikk4]

Remove the stat, place it in a pan o water then heat it up until the stat opens or not a sthe cas maybe.

What year is your car and model.

[Carlos W]

Air lock?

[Carlos W]

Take the stat out and drop it into boiling water. This should then open.

What year is your car and model.

Would the thermostat being stuck stop the heater working?

[its_courts28]

Take the stat out and drop it into boiling water. This should then open.

What year is your car and model.

It's an 88 Mayfair Designer

[its_courts28]

Air lock?

I was looking how to do that today but I couldn't find the thing under the engine tie bar. I can't remember what it's called but it says it in the Haynes manual

[sonikk4]

Take the stat out and drop it into boiling water. This should then open.

What year is your car and model.

It's an 88 Mayfair Designer

If the stat is not open then you would not get water flowing around the engine correctly. (correct me if i am wrong)

If its not the stat then it maybe an airlock. The big thing here though is to get the temperature gauge working to see what is going on. Has the water pump failed or is starting to fail.

[its_courts28]

Remove the stat, place it in a pan o water then heat it up until the stat opens or not a sthe cas maybe.

What year is your car and model.

The old thermostat is kaput, I've just tied it in boiling water. Dad won't let me try the new one

[its_courts28]

Take the stat out and drop it into boiling water. This should then open.

What year is your car and model.

It's an 88 Mayfair Designer

If the stat is not open then you would not get water flowing around the engine correctly. (correct me if i am wrong)

If its not the stat then it maybe an airlock. The big thing here though is to get the temperature gauge working to see what is going on. Has the water pump failed or is starting to fail.

How could I test the water pump?

Edited by its_courts28, 14 March 2013 - 08:39 PM.

[Carlos W]

The water pump had crossed my mind! I didn't think the Thermostat stopped the flow to the heater, only the radiator!

Otherwise the heater would go from cold to hot virtually instantly rather than getting progressively warmer!

If I'm talking rubbish please shoot me down