Capri - Thermostats

I have not been really happy since I freshen up the engine in my white XL with the higher engine temperature that has been indicating. Previously, the temperature gauge would barely get above the blue so it was running pretty cool. I have spoken to a number of small Ford enthusiasts and have decided it was down to three things: a faulty new thermostat, a faulty new temperature sender or I have put the head gasket on the incorrect way. Not really wanting to think about the last possibility, I decided to check the thermostat first.
It didn't take long to take it out & no real mess was involved as I loosened the bottom radiator hose & just let out enough fluid. I had kept the old thermostat &  noticed that it had been jammed open. (The one on the left) So, no wonder it was running cool most of the time. Then I decided to test the new one that was in the car. In boiling water, there was no movement so I presumed it was faulty. Over to Autobarn & a new one ( Tridon TT1-192)) was bought.



I then decided to test it in boiling water. No movement, so what is going on? I then put them in a small saucepan on the stove & heated it to boiling & both opened. So, now I had two thermostats working. One experienced small Ford guy told me that he always drilled several small holes on the top of the thermostat to assist cooling, so that was my next attempt. (Bottom left pic) This did seem to bring the temp down a bit & it certainly did not get up very high after idling for some time after a run up the mountain.
On researching the Tridon catalogue, I discovered that there was High Flow thermostat suitable for the 1600 Capri. (Tridon TT2000-192) This may be something many of you may have already known but it was news to me. So, back to Autobarn & I exchanged the second new regular one for a high flow. Long story, so I hope you are following.



The new high flow went in today & on a quick run it seems to be doing what I wanted. The temperature gauge is between a quarter & half  & goes up a little with a long idle after a run. Hopefully, this is the solution to the problem. A couple of runs up the mountain will tell me.