Car heater

[Gremlin]

Advice needed can any one tell me where the needle on the car temperature gauge should sit on a 1.9 Z3 at normal running temp is first question. Mine runs with needle between the second and third mark closer to the lower end though. It dose move up to the second mark sat in traffic but as soon as I move off and bring rev's up it drops back again. I don't think it's running hot enough ( better than to hot I know ) problem being is that the car heater is not that good and going to work at 3am this time of year I need warmth lol.
I'm tempted to change thermostat and water pump, along with temp sender plus back flush the system as there is a really wired smell when I remove the water filler cap, I've been told not to use a flush chemical just water. Can any one help or has any one had a similar problem and if so what did you do. Oh one more thing it dose not use water or leak water. Thanks for any help or advice.
Roger ( Gremlin )

 

[hard top]

The only thing I can tell you is that the temp gauge needle should be sat slap bang in the middle.

 

[Gremlin]

Thanks mine never has run straight up which is where I thought it should be, having only had the car just over 2 months I wasn't sure. I think it's a thermostat problem or perhaps the previous owner has taken it out as it dose take a while to warm up.
If he took it out it will worry me as to why. But thanks again.

 

[Sean d]

Yep, bang in the middle and my heater is too hot to have on full heat, it actually feel uncomfortable when its blowing on my hands with the roof down, its damn hot within a couple of minutes of start up.

 

[Gremlin]

Thanks Sean I'm going to have to look into this I froze my tabs this morning lol.

 

[Low Rider]

Yep, bang in the middle and my heater is too hot to have on full heat, it actually feel uncomfortable when its blowing on my hands with the roof down, its damn hot within a couple of minutes of start up.

It has to be the best car heater I've ever used

 

[GazHyde]

Sounds like a thermostat issue. Check your service history and see if you can find out If the water pump has ever been changed. If not, then I'd change the pump, thermostat and belts at your earliest convenience. Better safe than sorry.

 

[t-tony]

I would use a coolant system flush to loosen any deposits before you back flush the system. If the cooling system is in good order that can't do any harm. Also as said it would point to t/stat stuck open or removed completely, if it's been removed it would worry me as to why. Good luck in getting to the bottom of the problems, winters coming . . . . . . .

Tony.

 

[Althulas]

Same problem with mine just the thermostat stuck on open as Tony said hopefully just that and not a cowboy pulled thermostat fix. It would be rude not to change the water pump at the same time while your there. I bought all new pulleys, belts and new fan blade I thought might as well have it all in tiptop condition and easier to replace all those bits just need the time to do it. Hopefully a simple fix for you.

 

[Antm72]

I'd echo the same and say thermostat is stuck open.Mine did this late last year heaters began to blow cool and the gauge reacted identically to yours.
Replaced the stat and its been perfect since. Z3 heaters are very good.. Hope its something as simple as the stat

 

[Gremlin]

Thanks to every one greatful for your advice and comments will keep you posted on out come.