Astra Underheating Mystery

Discussion in 'Astra' started by Steve, Feb 28, 2007.

  1. Steve

    Steve Guest

    Hi

    My W-reg Astra (1.6l, 8v) only heats up (according to the temp gauge)
    sometimes. And even when it has heated up, it often will cool down so much
    the gauge doesn't register. In this condition it tends to stall easily and
    is difficult to restart.

    Aha, I hear you say - it's the thermostat stuck open. BUT, starting from
    cold, with the car idling, the radiator top hose-stays cold, even though the
    heater will deliver fairly hot air; so presumably the thermostat is in fact
    closed initially.

    Helpful ideas/suggestions welcomed.

    Thanks

    Steve
     
    Steve, Feb 28, 2007
    #1
  2. Steve

    Paul Guest

    change the Thermostat, its the easiest way to eliminate it.
    It doesn't take long.
     
    Paul, Feb 28, 2007
    #2
  3. Steve

    GaZ Guest


    Is it 'actually' not warming up, or is it just the gauge? It could be a
    connection to the temp sender or the sender itself if this is the case.
    When it says 'cold' is the top of the radiator cold or warm?
     
    GaZ, Mar 1, 2007
    #3
  4. Steve

    Steve Guest

    Thanks for the reply Paul. Unfortunately on my model, changing the
    thermostat is a difficult job. Unbelievable though it sounds, due to
    (mis)design, you have to remove the timing-belt, idler and other bits, and
    disconnect one of the engine mounting brackets!!!!
    If reassembled incorrectly, the timing is b***ered.

    So I don't want to do this unless I'm absolutely certain it is the
    thermostat!

    Steve
     
    Steve, Mar 1, 2007
    #4
  5. Steve

    me140 Guest

    I'm with GaZ - is it just a sender issue? Do the hoses and heater feels hot?
     
    me140, Mar 1, 2007
    #5
  6. Steve

    Steve Guest

    The heater always get hot and stays hot (well, pretty warm) after a few
    minutes, even when when the gauge is on zero and the top hose is cold.

    Over half an hou or so (typical journey) the temperature sometimes rises up
    to about 80degC according to gauge but then goes down again. By the end of
    the hourney the top hose is hot though.

    Steve
     
    Steve, Mar 3, 2007
    #6
  7. Steve

    Steve Guest

    For anyone still reading this, it turned out to be a poor connection on the
    coolant sender. I'd decided to replace the sender to eliminate it as the
    source of the problem and did a lot of fiddling trying to undo the
    connection; I failed - it's a peculiar connector in an awkward place.

    However, when I went for a drive shortly after, the heating system worked a
    treat - went up to full temperature quickly and stayed there. And no
    stalling (presumably incorrect signal was confusing Engine Management
    Thingy).

    Steve
     
    Steve, Mar 3, 2007
    #7
  8. Steve

    Mike Guest

    Glad you got it sorted, especially without breaking the bank! And thanks for
    come back here with the result as well.

    Mike
     
    Mike, Mar 4, 2007
    #8
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