Thermostats and timing chains

[Gresley]

Hi all.

My Stag runs very cool despite a new 82 deg thermostat, so when I change the antifreeze anytime now I was thinking of putting an 88 deg thermostat in. Does anyone here run with one in a late MK2? Does it make a difference? Or am I best sticking with my (new with correct foot) 82 deg one?

Also, the timing chains have done 30,000 miles and I will have the time to replace them soon. They are County I think and as I don't mind changing them every 25,000 miles or so I was going to use the same again...any thoughts on this?!

Thanks in advance
Brian

[Rubce]

Brian

What time of temperature gauge do you have fitted? Mine always seems to run cool according to the standard gauge which is why I am saving up to purchase a capillary one. I will then know if it really is running cool or not!

Regards

Bruce

[Ian Durrant]

Hi all.

My Stag runs very cool despite a new 82 deg thermostat, so when I change the antifreeze anytime now I was thinking of putting an 88 deg thermostat in. Does anyone here run with one in a late MK2? Does it make a difference? Or am I best sticking with my (new with correct foot) 82 deg one?

Also, the timing chains have done 30,000 miles and I will have the time to replace them soon. They are County I think and as I don't mind changing them every 25,000 miles or so I was going to use the same again...any thoughts on this?!

Thanks in advance
Brian

Hi Brian I run an 88 stat with no problems. I know many people think the rolon chains are OK, but given the IWIS chains are pretty much fit and forget I'd go for the well engineered IWIS every time. it was Dieter I think who showed some pics of the rolon chains where the rollers had fractured and bits had fallen off so i have a doubt about general quality control on the Rolons. I know for every one person that agrees with me there will be two that disagree, but given the costs of chain failure would dwarf the expense of the IWIS chains, I will always go for the best in this department!

[GDPR]

I only fit the German chains.....

[Gresley]

Hi Guys, thanks for replying.

I wondered if my temp gauge is a bit faulty as it is the original one, but I don't want to go to the trouble of changing it just at the mo. I think an 88 deg thermostat is definately on the cards then...

Also sounds like the IWIS chains are the ones to go for, how long do the tensioners last?

The advice is much appreciated, I used to be decisive but I'm not so sure now

Brian

[redstag]

how long do the tensioners last?

My tensioners (Renolds) have covered well in excess of 80,000 miles, maybe even 90,000, through two sets of timing chains.

The last time I changed the chains the only wear to the rubber surface was from the side plates of the chains with no visible wear from the area in contact with the chain rollers. I just reset the tensioners and reused them rather than fit Rolon tensioners.

Pete

[flying farmer]

I have not normally seen much wear in the tensioners, but as the chains wear the crank sprockets seem to suffer most, so I reckon the less a chain stretches, the less wear will occur elsewhere, and on that basis the cost difference between the iwis and county chains is quite insignificant. With the amount of mileage you do, you are probably best placed to tell us which wears out first!
Neil

[jamcarr2]

Hi Brian
On the subject of the temperature mine now runs with the needle of the gauge just below the E in temp on the gauge , it was just past the M until I fitted the belt driven water pump but it doesn’t seem to be detrimental to the running of the car
JOHN
ps are you going on the run around Cheshire on the 30^th

[Gresley]

Thanks again for the replies guys. My tensioners have done about 50,000 miles so may well be ok...I had no idea that they could last so long! I'll go for IWIS chains definately and will let you know when they eventually wear out My Stag runs with the temp pointing to the E or just below it, so maybe it is OK after all!

John - yes all being well I will be on the run around Cheshire.

Brian

[Stagdad]

Hi Brian
On the subject of the temperature mine now runs with the needle of the gauge just below the E in temp on the gauge , it was just past the M until I fitted the belt driven water pump but it doesn’t seem to be detrimental to the running of the car
JOHN
ps are you going on the run around Cheshire on the 30^th

John are you using the 88 stat ,thats what i'm using now and car gets up to temp very quick.

Cheers Steve

[jamcarr2]

Hi Steve .
Yes i have the 88 stat aswell and yes it gets to temp very quickly .i have removed the header tank dont see the need now the pump is so low
JOHN

[redstag]

Do you guys find the 88 stat keeps the temp more stable?

Pete

[Stagdad]

Mines rock steady Pete even on the hottest day.the stag engine will get hotter than 88 so can't see the point of fitting a cooler stat it just slows the warm up.Cheers Steve

[redstag]

Thanks Steve.
I don't have any cooling problems, it's just that the engine temp varies between about 80 - 90 (82 stat fitted) depending on outside temperature. Logic tells me that I should get the same steady reading as you if I fit the 88 stat.
I think I will give it a try next time I am doing anything on the cooling system.

Pete

[jleyton]

I've got an 88, from LD Parts, and one of their temperature senders and (famous last words) my temp seems rock steady on the 'E' of the gauge.

Cheers

Julian