Thermostat stuck open, opinions please?

[Kevan Farmer]

I noticed yesterday that as soon as I start the engine on my 1.6 SR (from cold) I have an immediate flow of coolant into the spherical expansion tank. I assume this an expansion tank it the round ball like shaped tank situated in the top left corner of the engine bay (facing the engine). I may be wrong but I assume this is not right. Please tell me if I am wrong but I has assumed the coolant would not flow until the thermostat has opened when the engine was up to operating temperature. So, I either have no thermostat in place, unlikely, or the 'stat has stuck open which I think is more likely. If this is the case it could just explain my high emissions as discussed in another thread; couldn't it?

[Crasher]

Sounds OK to me but what fault codes are you getting?

[Kevan Farmer]

Sounds OK to me but what fault codes are you getting?

There's nothing showing on the dashboard display and I don't have a diagnostic 'black box' to plug into it. It does take a very long time for the temperature gauge to show anywhere near 90 and the fans never come on even when it's left idling for up to half an hour. I'm going to have a look to see this afternoon. I had hoped to be able to get to the 'stat earlier today but the alternator just slightly gets in the way with my 1/2" drive sockets. So I've dug out the 1/4" drive and knuckle joint in the hope I can get to the housing. It's only the lower bolt I can't access. If I cannot get to it this way then I'll have to swing the alternator up out of the way.

[Crasher]

Just because the light is not on doesn't mean there are no codes at home. Don't throw money away, get it read!