94 Carina 1.6 Cd 5dr

[Cannonc]

I need a little bit of info........ I was looking at buying '94 1.6 Carina at the weekend. The car seemed very genuine with 95K miles and a full Toyota service history. However the car has been sitting up without being started since may. The car started fine when a new Battery was put in and idled nicely for several minutes while we took a quick look around it. When we went for a run I noticed after about 2 miles that the temp gauge was heading into the red so I immediately pulled in and turned off the engine. On investigation we found the water in the radiator and expansion tank to be cold. Is this just a sticky thermostat or is there something else wrong???

Also I think this engine is pre Lean-Burn, is there much difference in fuel consumption between this one and the Lean-Burn.

Thanks for your help.

[Wombleman]

Sounds like the thermostat - as I've just replied to another thread I had the same problem which eventually turned out to be a leaking water pump. Part is around £40 on-line. Seems to be a problem at this age (mine had 120,000 on it). Just clocked over 150,000 no heating problems since (though check under the oil filler cap for "mayo" - this means head gasket failure :(

[Beardie]

if its been standing around, could be sludge in the system that a flush would sort out. depends what the water / antifreeze mixture was beforehand.

[Moggy]

sounds like a sticky stat as wombleman says.

be an idea to check it out by removing the stat and pouring a kettle full of hot water over it, if it pops open its working ok give it a run and see how it goes after that, if it does the same as last time its a new stat, see if ya can barter that into the sale of the car if you havent baught it yet :)

Also check the oil sump for leaks, filler cap for a white substance which tells you that theres water in the oil, meaning head gasket failiure meaning about £400+ in labour bills lol!

jack the car up and check the wheels dont have play in them telling ya that the bearings are worn.

i do most of these checks before i buy, people think im fussy lol!