New radiator - working too good?

[Bowser]

Last weekend i replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat + housing and new coolant. It all went pretty well, although at one stage i didn't think the water pump was going to fit, moving the power steering support a little fixed this.

Before i changed the radiator the temp sat at around 90-100, now it struggles to get to that temp, today i drove for about 30 mins and is still didn't get to the above temp, at the lights it would climb but highway driving it was sitting at around 60.

I know the thermostat hasn't opened early because the pipes are still soft to touch, i also managed to get the thermostat to open last week by idling in my driveway for about half an hour.

The ambient temp at the moment is quite low (13c) as well which might have something to do with it.

Is this normal?

[junglejuice]

Remember that the temp reading is taken at the engine so if the temp is low then there must be coolant getting past the thermostat.
I bought a brand new Tridon t/stat for mine and it was hopeless, ran too cool most of the time and the temp was erratic where before it was very consistent, swapped the original back in and all is good again...

[SeaComms]

Yep, definately thermostat issue. When the thermostat the radiator is closed off to the flow of water so it should make no difference. 60° is way to cool for general running and will cause much accelerated wear.

[Bowser]

Thanks guys, ill put the old one back in. Just need a new gasket now. I knew I should have doubled checked the new thermostat before installing

[carvesdodo]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Thanks guys, ill put the old one back in. Just need a new gasket now. I knew I should have doubled checked the new thermostat before installing

Aftermarket thermostat ??

When you get it out ... check they gave you the right one ... sounds like its wrong opening temp or stuck open.

Ive seen partsboxes with 160/180/190/192/195 t'stats all mixed up ... and if they dont check the number on the individual packet ... you get what they give you.

If its aftermarket and faulty ... take it back for an exchange/refund.
Tridon and Dayco ones are usually pretty good ... but nothings perfect

[Bowser]

The one i bought was from supercheap, i got it when i first bought the Jeep (approx 5 years ago) end never ended up fitting it till now, so i dont think i will be able to return it

Ill prob just grab one from wooders.