I know we have discussed the thermostat on the vantage V8 before, just curious cos I think mine is gone? I run midway between middle and low (cold) on the temp gauge when on freeway and cruizing at say 60Mph, with outside air temp at say 15/ any comments appreciated

 

Mine seems to stay dead middle of the gauge range.

 

15c = 59f... That's a nice cool temp, and at a steady cruising speed your cooling system should be working very efficiently. In those conditions, my temp gauge reads the same as yours.

Mine doesn't get to the halfway mark unless I'm in traffic or pushing the car.

 

I had mine replaced very recently. In your conditions it would show about 1/8 up the scale. Barely off the cold mark. Since replacement, it's basically at or very slightly below dead middle.

I can't swear by it, but it seems like the gauge read about where yours was at for about a month before it started reading excessively low

 

Captain Greg,(and telum01)
You have the classic problem with these thermostats. The rubber gasket around the thermostat comes off and keeps the thermostat open. Just replace the thermostat and everything will go back to normal. (Note: even at very low outside temps, like below 0, the temp should still read in the middle of the range).

 

^^^^^^ yup

 

Do a search on "thermostat repair". There are a couple of good threads on how to do it. I changed mine out on my previous V8V with the equivalent Jag part. It's a pretty easy DIY job.

Captain_Greg, I'll be in Capetown the 1st week of June, recovering from Comrades. Can't wait to visit your beautiful city!

 

There is a very helpful, complete step by step description of this repair on this forum. I used it successfully.

The Jag V8 component kit cost is less than half of Aston's but performs the same function. The Jag internal spring, however, is at least half again as difficult to compress, according to my AM/Jag dealer mechanic who works on both cars.

If you personally are going to do this job, save your fingers, use the AM part. The fasteners in this R&R task are hidden beneath related hoses and covers, but is doable by a novice.