Lack of heat Astra

[fishingbug]

My `98 astra estate has been great up until recently. After the first lot of really cold weather, I noticed the temp gauge, was not moving, when it did, it only move slightly, then went back down again, meanwhile the heat was ok, but now I find it takes a lot longer to get any good heat until I`ve virtually got to work, and the gauge still does`nt move unles I`m stuck in traffic for a while. Could the Thermostate be cream crackered, and if so, could the car overheat?? any help appreciated, cheers.

[ChuckFickens]

have you checked the water level?

[AlBags]

Sounds like thermostat nadjered. Replace it.
Ulikely to overheat when you get permanently low temp from heater, as this would indicate thermo is opening much too early, or is stuck open.

[fishingbug]

ChuckFickens and Albags, cheers for replying, both of your suggestions will be seen to asap, failing that it`s long johns. Thanks again.

[Panic Button]

You can pay a couple of hundred to get the thermostat replaced, as it is buried deep in the engine.

Alternatively for £15 and a bit of DIY you can fit a secondary thermostat:

http://www.vauxhallop...rmostat.talktalk.net/

As you can see it is a regular problem.

As a short term measure, block off most of the radiator with cardboard, but keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

[AlBags]

What you talking about? Astra thermostats are dead easy to change and will cost less than a tenner with a seal! No way would any dealer try to charge £250 to change a thermostat on any Vauxhall I have ever seen (even a 3.0 Senator)
That's a scam, and you might fall for it.

[Panic Button]

Get a quote then, fishingbug, and let us know how much it costs to have a garage do it.