Paul Mason

Sorry if being dim, but following thread as curious to learn more about temperature fluctuations and coolant systems. What does “fitting the remote sender submarine” mean?

Thanks Smiffy, will be starting there ta 

Am also wondering if the coolant system is just very effective as a potential “cause”......radtec radiator, remote thermostat, seemingly re-routed pipework and no heater etc. so when temperature comes up and triggers thermostat, system cools fairly quickly

The car warms up pretty quickly (water anyways, oil takes longer) never seems to get too hot (only time over 85 is when going very slowly or parking up, in which case fan kicks in at about 92 and temp drops down..

That said, still don’t like seeing it so will got fettle

Thanks SM25T

I’ll get one ordered and start there. Seems like the easy start point. Car is driving perfectly well and certainly not overheating, done getting on for 200 miles in the last week and other than the wander between 75 and 85c I have got nothing other than lots of smiles! Just want to make sure everything tip top and doing no harm to anything

So, had nose off to discover what I am pretty sure is a QED remote thermostat. Thermostat in place just in front of top left (from the rear of the radiator) connection (hot in?) into a Radtec aluminium radiator. Behind it is a sensor (not sure if this is for the temp gauge or the fan switch - left hand side on pic below)

Given this set up, would the advice to drill a 2mm hole in the top flange of the thermostat remain or would this point more to the sender as the issue?

I have had a couple of such flares (and genuinely been trying to be relatively sensible) and it does wake you up a bit!

This morning I was conscious of the damp and cold, hence not using full throttle, and even still, in third (in a 5 speed)  when a long progressive application of throttle, still got wheel spin (though in a straight line so not too scary)

First and second were already self imposed ruled out as “fun gears” today, didn’t think 3rd would be!

Many thanks Nick

Ditto with the no heater so I suspect won’t be a throughout winter mode of transport plus I have a few bits and bobs I’d like to do so there’s going to be some time off the road?

That said, even though it was chilly did enjoy my drive home tonight more than usual, so am somewhat loathed to start doing too much just yet and keep enjoying for as long as possible!

Cheers

Paul

I must admit Colin, the “use the plaything as it was intended and as often as possible” is something that I can identify with and hope to enjoy as much as possible.......that said I do feel a little conflicted about the dirt and the grime and the grit and the salt and everything else I’m subjecting her too. Something I’ll have to work through in my head in the longer term!

Have just driven to the kids swimming lesson and now get the joy of the argument about which one comes home with me and which one has to go with mum! That’s the biggest issue I’ll have tonight! The cold and damp I can handle, the bickering, well that’s something else!!

First pic I could manage to upload Rhauri

Not the best view but can’t find on below size limit

Many thanks Golf Tango Whiskey - have seen a few mentions of Uniroyal Rainexperts in the thread Jonathan Kay shared so that's definitely a one for consideration

Rhauri - thanks for the update - yes indeed the urge to drive is strong - fortunately thus far no salt down and mainly dry so no huge problem thus far but have indeed cleaned the bottom side already.

I've had a little experience in a couple of 7's on 888's (in the dry) and from my limited experience would seem to be broadly similar to the Khumo's - though caveated with limited knowledge and experience thus far.

My daily driver is a newish Audi A6, auto, diesel FWD, its like chalk and cheese - so there is an awful lot of caution needs to be applied with 210 ish BHP and no stability/traction control which I've just got used to over the years. Expectations & driving style is the easiest thing to change in the short term

I'll try and get a couple more weeks of occasional fun in the short term, but all subject to weather/salt etc. And an increased level of caution

Thanks again for thoughts and input all

13 inch, 185 front and 235 rear I think (6 and 8.5)

&

Road miles

Will read through the previous threads also, thanks for the link Jonathan - starting to find my was around the site is taking a while

That is a good point Tom, and probably would agree this time next year, however as I'm still in the honeymoon period, I am wanting to drive as much as possible when reasonably bright and sunny and (so far) salt free - if nothing else it gives me a good excuse to get underneath and clean and polish and wax away any dirt and grime

So, just as leaving the house, changed mind & decided to drive the 7 to work this morning rather than the barge as chilly, yet sunny and looks like its going to stay that way for a couple of days. "Make hay while the sun shines" (well sort of shines, I am in northern parts) and all that. Roads were still damp from last nights rain - but duly noted and cautious application of right foot to ensure arrived at work facing the right way. Happy to report, arrived facing right way and smiling like an idiot.

Still learning the car, but have definitely already learned (I think) that the Kumho Ecsta V70A's fitted don't like 1) the wet or 2) the cold, but per previous comment, drive with that in mind and all is good.

Bringing me eventually to my question - thoughts on which of the following is best course of action please:

1) Consider different, more all round tyre - if so, any recommendations?

2) Have a winter/wetter and dry set of wheels & tyres to interchange (though conscious of cost)

3) Accept that lightweight, relatively powerful car and cold/wet never mix well regardless of tyre, so adapt driving/wear light shoes? May be an enforced decision subject to cost, but still curious of thoughts out there.

Thanks in advance and apols if I have missed loads of previous forums on the subject (I did do a search, promise)

Paul

Just to make my confusion a little more complete, just gone to have a look and seem to have 2 senders on the water rail at the rear of the primaries?

Will try now to work out how to upload a photo

Well, that’s one positive at least......I think it’s got a mechanical oil pressure gauge so at least that isn’t going to be a problem (he says in blissful ignorance potentially from a standpoint of believing the oil pressure gauge is actuated by a oil pipe from the bottom of the filter housing, though the large oil pressure light on the dash I think is actuated by the electric sender switch on the top of the oil filter housing so guess that could be prone to fail). I’m going to look for the sender and replace then move onto the thermostat mod and am optimistic that it’ll sort it.

Pretty sure it’s not a huge issue on account of lowish miles at the mo, just one of a myriad of little things I’d like to sort ready for next year

Thanks SM25T email en route and I’ll check the sender too (which sounds eminently simpler)

Now I’ve realised where it is, guessing the airbox on the car is going to make access doubly difficult! May be a longer job for the weekend or when I have a few days off!

Thanks SM25T

​Will look to find the Low Flying article too - am guessing back issues on the club site?

Best regards and many thanks 

Many thanks Revilla

It’s a K series, 1.8 with a VHPD head

I’ll have a look at the article and have to look to see where the thermostat is and modify as you suggest in case that’s the issue

Appreciate your help

Recently bought a 7 and one little foible is that the temp gauge (a Racetech unit) once its up to temperature wanders around between 75 and 85 degree. Will go up to 85, then quite quickly drop to 75 and after 20 seconds or so, go back up to 85 in another 10 seconds or so. Whole cycle takes 30-35 seconds and happens pretty much continually.

Car doesn't seem to run hot - fan kicks in at about 90 if stationary or driving slowly (10mph down the street to the house & parking up occasionally), so potentially a non-issue. Not sure if the car has a thermostat to be honest. I have nothing other than my own curiosity/lack of knowledge making me ask the question

Just after thoughts/experience/knowledge as to whether its not worth worrying about, a potential gauge issue, a sender unit issue (though no idea where it is) or something potentially that needs further digging?

Thanks in advance

Paul

That was me - both me and my lad were well wrapped up as not the warmest of days - but dry and bright. Plus...........I got to drive through the Tyne Tunnel which is something I highly recommend in a noisy Caterham!

Don't mind admitting though, the drive back from Newcastle to home in Teeside (50 odd miles) at 8pm at night was starting to get very chilly and I almost even considered putting a coat on!

Thanks for my first ever "spotted" Tim! As a new member to the club (albeit my 2nd Caterham) I look forward to many more in years to come

Paul