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[Jcarruthers]

Regarding my 1.5 non turbo petrol:

I have read the manual and it states: "Check the level in the reservoir by looking at it side-on.  The fluid must lie between the MIN and MAX marks".  Its dark and I've only used a little torch whilst having a little look on my lunch break today but I'm damned if I can see any marks on the bottle!

I actually thought the engine was running too cool, not too hot as it sits at around 80 degrees and maybe needed a new thermostat.  However, the bottle looks empty to me.  I see from this advert for a second hand one the markings are right down the bottom-- weird.  Can you actually see it from up top when the bottle is installed?


How should I really check the level?  Make sure the radiator is full and then get the "expansion" bottle to the right level?  Weird non-closed system but I vaguely recognise the non-pressurised bottle type as my wife's Mini had similar.

[Jcarruthers]

To answer my own question, in the dark with a torch I can see a shadow of the coolant. It’s on minimum but nothing to worry about immediately.

Very strange to have it all the way down there and I would have never known without the pic of the removed one!

[Bal]

Hi, on my 454 I took the expansion bottle off (1 x screw only), then used a black permanent marker to etch the raised markings.

Now when I shine a torch a torch down the bottle I can see the level better against the marked line.

Another thing I would do is clean the expansion bottle so it's easier to view at an angle too.

[mr singh]

80 degrees is slightly cooler than it should. my SB3 when up to temperature is at 90/95 degrees.

personally i wouldnt do what the americans do and automatically think a car is 'running too hot'. if it doesnt creep higher than about 90/95 degrees then id leave it alone. if it doesnt get up to temp within about 15 minuets, then it will need a thermostat.

[jmariog]

I have also found if I put my a/c on to help demist the windows, as the fan runs when it's on, it takes much longer for the engine to reach 90, this time of the year.

[CrazyG]

Just a little note for any CDi owners who might be reading this and wondering....
the CDi in my experience (having had 2), always runs cooler...in fact both of mine
never got above 70c even in summer and without the aircon or indeed any fan on !
As an aside...the location of the thermostat for the CDi is in a really awkward
né inaccessible position at the rear of the engine. It takes a lot of time and effort
to replace, and...you would need a special tool to release one or all the spring tension
'circlips' (jubilee like) that hold the hoses in place. Best left to a garage to perform...
but as l said, due to time/effort and location of it, it will obviously cost.

[jmariog]

Just did an hours drive in the brabus and it was hanging around 80c