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.

 

[MajHall04]

Mine showed up at around 1800 miles. Been at the dealership since May 20th awaiting parts.

 

[F1 SML8R]

Mine showed up at around 1800 miles. Ben at the dealership since May 20th awaiting parts.

Assuming the delay is based on a parts wait? Or is there more to share here?

 

[MajHall04]

Assuming the delay is based on a parts wait? Or is there more to share here?

Thermostats were stateside. Non-reusable bolts weren’t. 3-4 weeks from overseas.

 

[Rainier]

Thermostats were stateside. Non-reusable bolts weren’t. 3-4 weeks from overseas.

"For want of a nail the shoe was lost;
for want of a shoe the horse was lost;
and for want of a horse the rider was lost,
being overtaken and slain by the enemy,
all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail."