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Focus Diesel Thermostat

lipso
lipso
in Ford Focus Club

Featured Replies

2001 1.8 focus tddi takes about 5 miles for temperature gauge to reach the normal midway point? Other cars I've had (petrol) took about 2 miles. Is this normal? I was thinking the thermostat needs renewed?

If I replace the thermostat do I have to use proper Ford anti freeze? or can for example 50/50 Comma anti freeze from motor factor shops be used to top up after replacing thermostat

  • Quote


    Hi

    Dont be tempted to cut a few corners and save a few quid by using cheaper antifreeze and oils etc as you will pay for it big time in the long run.

    Diesels run on compression take longer to warm up that is why most fords with diesel engines these days have an auxillary heater so we dont freeze while they warm up

    Jamie

  • Quote
    • Author

    Hi

    Dont be tempted to cut a few corners and save a few quid by using cheaper antifreeze and oils etc as you will pay for it big time in the long run.

    Diesels run on compression take longer to warm up that is why most fords with diesel engines these days have an auxillary heater so we dont freeze while they warm up

    Jamie

  • Quote
    • Author

    so it does take longer for a diesel to reach normal temp? My previous 2 petrol cars took a couple of miles, the focus takes about 5 miles?

  • Quote

    My 1.8 diesel takes around 5 miles to get up to temp too. Is this aux heater the reason I can get warm air almost instantly when I set off?

  • Quote

    Yes as stated above that is what the auxillary heater is for

    Jamie

  • Quote

    An easy way to test the thermostat is to drive the car for a mile or so until is starts to warm up, then touch the top hose from the thermostat housing. If this hose is warm but not really hot then your thermostat is stuck open. As a rule the top hose should not get hot until the thermostat opens, which is about 95 - 100 degrees. Failing that you could take it out and test it a pan of boiling water.

    As for the antifreeze, any will do, as long as it is the same colour as what is in the car already.

  • Quote
    • Author

    does a 2001 tddi have an aux heater? and how does it work?

  • Quote

    Hi Joe

    the best thing is not to compare diesel to petrol they are as different as chalk and cheese, but if you do change it ues ford coolant its red in colour and is best for the cooling system..

  • Quote

    does a 2001 tddi have an aux heater? and how does it work?

    not all models have the aux heater. I think it may have been an option?

  • Quote

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