Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2003 12:06:58 -0500 From: Bob <noemailnopsammain.com> Subject: Re: Overcooling once on highway
On Thu, 30 Jan 2003 09:30:02 -0500, "Kenneth S." <nimrodnopsams.com> wrote: >Bob wrote: >> >> On 29 Jan 2003 23:29:12 -0800, ngunopsamail.com (ngu) wrote: >> >> >No effect on engine performance noted. However is this a sign that >> >parts of the cooling system, such as the thermostat, are faulty? >> >> I'd suspect the thermostat. >> >> Bob > > I'm having similar symptoms with my 1996 900 SE, and I was suspecting >the thermostat also. Yep, mine went at 45K miles, FWIW. >However, I have seen stories that replacing the >thermostat on these cars is not the relatively simple matter it is on >other cars. Is this true, and (if so) why? What would be a reasonable >estimate (in a major U.S. city) of the cost of having the the thermostat >replaced? I recall something about having to bleed the system. I think that is the only "gotcha". Otherwise it's fairly straight forward, AFAIR. I didn't do my own since I was under warranty. I can't imagine that a shop charges more than a hour to do it. If you have not had the antifreeze flushed, have it all done at one. The thermostat itself is probably $6 at an independent store and $20 at the dealer. > How about if I just make the heater work better on very cold days by >blocking off the flow of cold air to the radiator with a piece of >aluminum foil? It will probably work, but it's definitely a hack. If you stop in traffic, the car will probably overheat a bit. I'd fix it the right way. Bob