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Re: Engine running too cold

To: MG List <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Engine running too cold
From: Max Heim <max_heim@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2005 11:50:06 -0800
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the heater control valve. It could be
blocked or almost entirely blocked with corrosion -- very common problem.
That doesn't explain his engine temp issue, but it may be a factor in the
lack of heater output.


--

Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires


on 12/10/05 2:45 PM, Councill, David at dcouncill@msubillings.edu wrote:

> You may want to verify your gauge is corect first. Just check your coolant
> tempature after its warmed up. With my BGT, in temperatures as cold as 20
> below zero F, I found that I only had to cover a little over a third of the
> radiator to maintain coolant temperatures at 190 F. I've never tried covering
> the oil cooler. I used a sheet of flat cardboard, a solid sheet maybe a
> milimeter thick, not the corrugated stuff used in boxes. I mention that
> because previously on this list there was a few people concerned about
> moisture causing the cardboard to disintegrate.
> 
> Even with the temperature warm enough to move the gauge off the L, you should
> still feel a warming of the air from the heater. Mine never really put out
> good heat - when it does get fairly warm, the blower still does not blow hot
> air out in great quantity. If you aren't seeing somewhat warm air after the
> guage shows the coolant is warming, there may be a problem with the heater
> core. I had that problem with my 71BGT so I finally ended up pulling out the
> heater core and cleaning it out. It was plugged or just coated with enough
> crud to keep the heat transfer to a minimum. I used oxalic acid, aka "radiator
> flush" or "radiator cleaner" from the usual auto parts store. It is a
> crystaline solid so I mixed it with water and poured it in the heater core.  I
> then heated the core on a gas stove (because I wasn't married yet so I could
> do this kind of stuff). A few rinses and the heater core was as good as new.
> 
> Even a B can keep you moderately warm in below zero temps so long as you
> maintain maximum coolant temperatures, have good heat transfer with the heater
> core, and you minimize the many holes that allow outside air in (like cable
> holes for speedometer cable and choke cable, ventilation flap, various leaks
> in the top).
> 
> David Councill
> 67 BGT
> 72 B




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