M119 runs cold after removing radiator baffles

[Funny Bunny]

My M119 never goes past 80-85C after I removed the plastic baffles that block the radiator on the front bumper. Is this bad? It was working fine when the outside temperature was above 15C. Now that the temperature is 0-5C outside it never reaches operating temperature. Sometimes even after 30 minutes it's still below 80C.

 

[gsxr]

This is an R129, correct? Running at 78-85C is normal and not "cold".

But anyway - if the engine does not reach 80C, that is typically a defective thermostat. Are you seeing just below 80C, like maybe 75-78C? Or much colder, like 60-65C?

 

[gerryvz]

What plastic baffles on the front bumper are you talking about? Can you take a photograph?

It is more likely that your thermostat is bad, and you should consider replacing it.

 

[Funny Bunny]

What plastic baffles on the front bumper are you talking about? Can you take a photograph?

It is more likely that your thermostat is bad, and you should consider replacing it.

Front facelift bumper for R129 Late model 1995-2001 – ClassicEuroParts

www.classiceuroparts.com

on the R129 all the radiator holes on the grill are covered by a plastic removable baffle. So there is no direct air flow going to the condenser/radiator but I removed mine when changing my bumper.

This is an R129, correct? Running at 78-85C is normal and not "cold".

But anyway - if the engine does not reach 80C, that is typically a defective thermostat. Are you seeing just below 80C, like maybe 75-78C? Or much colder, like 60-65C?

Previously I would always run at 96C year round. After removing the plastic baffles, now air can directly flow into the condenser/radiator and ever since it rarely goes above 80 and has not reached 96 anymore.

 

[gsxr]

96C was higher than normal.

80-85C is normal.

Below 80C (especially, below ~75C) is almost always a thermostat issue. How old is your thermostat?

 

[Funny Bunny]

96C was higher than normal.

80-85C is normal.

Below 80C (especially, below ~75C) is almost always a thermostat issue. How old is your thermostat?

Thanks! Good to know! Thermostat never changed.

 

[gsxr]

I'd spring for a new t-stat... OE or OEM Wahler only.