The continuing saga..
Currently car temp appears to be fine when cruising or stationary, cool as a cucumber.
Whenever I do long climbs (which is just about every time I go out, there's always a 15-25 minute steady climb up the range, regardless of which way I go) the temperature slowly increases until just above the second mark. As soon as I level out the temperature reasonably quickly drops to normal.
No issues whatsoever so far off-road, although I haven't' done any really long ascents, only short ones.
Don't seem to be losing coolant.
I haven't replaced anything since last issues. Have added the Blitz 240s onto the front, but I really don't think they're the issue as the car was doing this before I put them on.
So currently I'm thinking:
Maybe the thermostat isn't opening far enough, restricting flow when it's really needed..? Does this sort of thing happen with thermostats, or are they really just opem or closed?
Perhaps the water pump is dying, and thus not able to push the water around enough?
Or even there's a heap of gunk in the engine from thousands of K's being driven at relatively low revs (used to be predominantly the wifes daily driver and she's not big on the accelerator) and was used for a lot of short runs (5k's or so) with the occasional (4-5 times a year) longer runs for camping etc?
I don't think the thermostat or water pump have ever been replaced.. if replacing them, as I'll be paying someone else to do it would it be cheaper doing both at once?
Mechanic hasn't mentioned anything about water pump or thermostat possibly being dodgy and he's aware of the issue.
Maybe it's just my driving style..? Should I be increasing changing down and increasing revs earlier when climbing? I generally like to be about 3000-3500 when climbing, changing down and revving harder doesn't seem to improve things temperature wise..