200 tdi defender runs cool

Just got my 1992 110 County back on the road, just as the cold weather hits.

The temp gauge doesn't go above about a ¼ and the heater is much less warm than my V8 110 heater.

I have read that the 200TDI can run a little cool, with some accepting it and others with various ideas like fitting a hotter thermostat, fitting a radiator muff or checking the viscous fan.

I suppose that answers my own question, but has anyone resolved this or do the 200TDIs run better cooler?

id check or replace thermostat, v8s shouldnt run hotter thermostats run at the same temps, they do produce more heat through inefficiency though

Probably will order a new stat and gaskets.

The V8 is how I feel the tdi should be - ie gauge resolutely in the middle, heater blasting warm air, viscous fan functioning correctly, running great.

I haven't got a fan or cowl, well...I have a thermo switched electric fan but it only comes on when off road if in low box on a warm day. My heater is fine.

I could have 2 or more issues then I suppose. Heater, temp gauge, thermostat, viscous fan ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I have replaced the thermostat with the correct 88° one, finding a 75° in there, seems to explain why it was running cool.

On the way home it got almost half way on the temp gauge, so I think I have solved the issue.

The water is clear in there, so now I have to get some antifreeze. I also noticed that my air-box to turbo pipe is holed, with smoke puffing out at idle. So I have ordered a silicon alternative and will fit that at the weekend. I also checked the oil and found it blacker than hoped, so its oil & filter change time!

Your TDi will blacken oil much more quickly than the V8, a thousand miles will do it.

zeaphod said:

Your TDi will blacken oil much more quickly than the V8, a thousand miles will do it.

Click to expand...

Hmm so I might not be able to keep it clear, it would be a losing battle. What's the recommended interval?

During the winter months I cover the lower half of ny 200 tdi rad with a section of correx [ house advertising board] Warms up quicker. The board is fixed tight to the front of the rad. Rad muffs on the grill do not work well as the air just goes around and up and under the back to the radiator.