m42 overheating

[B15NAC]

hi
i have notes the last few weeks when going up hill or when really hot in traffic my temp gauge passes the half way mark just a tad?
the fan is good and coolant level fine.
could it be the thermostat

[town325i]

I think your just paranoid a engine will run hotter in traffic and under load going up hill

[B15NAC]

yea hopefully your right

[town325i]

how much does the temp guage go up by?

[B15NAC]

well just past half way by a needles width maybe a tad more like today when really hot i got stuck in traffic then drove up a big hill!

[town325i]

most viscous fans dont kick in till the needle is at 3 quarters on the temp gauge the difference in heat from the centre of the gauge to the next mark is about 6 degrees c

[B15NAC]

so you think its not a problem then?

[town325i]

no its just normal running if it goes past the 3 quarter mark then there is a problem

[B15NAC]

ok cheers

[Brianmoooore]

If anything is wrong, it's the radiator that isn't up to the job.
Are the fins clear of dead flies and general muck? Are the fins even still there? Is the fan shroud fitted? Is the engine undertray fitted?
Radiators lose their efficiency over the years, and eventually need replacing.

[E30k]

i 2nd that the rad by the time the car has done 100,000 will be on its way out may last longer if well looked after but still it will not be as good as when it was new

[Brianmoooore]

by the time the car has done 100,000 will be on its way out

Exactly! I've stated on here a few times before that I consider radiators to be 100,000 mile service items.