Water Temp - help Needed

[Sam]

Hi Everyone,

I took my old Alfetta out for a drive today (yep in 43 deg heat!) and I noticed that the temp gauge rarely went over 80 deg.
In fact it usually sat around 40 and sometimes even dropped to zero.

I also noticed when I braked or went down a hill, the needle would go back up somewhere between 60 and 80 , then back to 40 when the road levelled out.

I checked the radiator and there is plenty of coolant and although it was hot, it wasn't boiling.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I'm guessing the sender is playing up, but I wonder if it could be anything else, like the thermostat?

Also, I assume the fan switch is not linked to the sender? otherwise if the sender is stuffed then the fans will never come on.

Thanks in advance folks

Sam

[Martyn]

probably temp  sender is playing up (located near thermostat housing) If you were suffering high temps in cylinder head there is a high temp sender near #4 spark plug (only on Alfettas not 105 series engines) this actuates a red light above temp gauge on dash.
The radiator thermo fan is actuated by a temp sensor low down on the driver side of radiator.
Sometimes taking the sender out and getting rid of the calcium and other deposits allows them to function correctly. This may mean your cooling system may need a good flush out  too if this is the case.
Air pockets in the cooling system can make the gauge fluctuate as you described but should not be relied upon as the definitive answer!
Regards

[bonkfrog]

Gees Choderboy
I'm old (maybe that's why I'm not closing properly), not buggered yet though. Can I fit a new thermostat?

Bonkfrog

[Mat Francis]

Yep. 2 bolts, a bit of gasket making and about half an hour of your time.

[kartone]

Where can I source a thermostat for an '80 GTV ?

[bonkfrog]

Kartone
Thermostats should be available at any recognised Alfa service centre. I get a lot of my spares from Turin Imports - not too expensive & overnight delivery. info@turinimports.com.au

Cheers

[kartone]

Many thanks "peacefrog" (I'm a Doors fan)