Poll: I4 Sand Contamination

[Rainier]

Please help us gather some statistics on the I4 engine sand contamination issue.
(This may manifest as stuck thermostats, broken coolant pump or other issues with the coolant system)

 

[CarrHarris]

Exactly what I wanted thanks!

 

[MattG]

How many miles until these issues typically develop?

 

[F1 SML8R]

It depends on how much sand residue exists. Here's the scoop, from the few "autopsy" photos that are floating around the "interwebs" it doesn't appear to take much to mess with the water pump and thermostat(s). My guestimate is that if you have this condition, it'll come up quick. Certainly after a few hundred miles of driving.

 

[ToonFan]

It depends on how much sand residue exists. Here's the scoop, from the few "autopsy" photos that are floating around the "interwebs" it doesn't appear to take much to mess with the water pump and thermostat(s). My guestimate is that if you have this condition, it'll come up quick. Certainly after a few hundred miles of driving.

I think you are right. In my case, they found it hard to tell what stuck the first thermostat. Lotus NA made the call to replace both. Fingers crossed, this was my Lotus glitch. At least I got to wrap codes, updates, 1000 mile service and new car issues all sorted at one time.