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[Healeys] cooling problem

To: "Healey List" <healeys@autox.team.net>
Subject: [Healeys] cooling problem
From: "Mirek Sharp" <m.g.sharp@sympatico.ca>
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:23:46 -0400
Actually it is a heating problem.  A few years ago I was having cooling
problems and I consulted Norm Nock's book for advice.  I ended up removing the
rad and heater core and having them cleaned at a rad shop. I back-flushed the
engine block, just with the garden hose.  I also fitted an original type
sleeve thermostat from British Car Specialists.  I have recently had the temp
gauge out and checked its accuracy with a lab thermometer and found it to be
very accurate.  After these changes the car did not overheat, but the
temperature was always a bit sporadic, sometimes staying at around 160 and
other times closer to 180.  The car has always suffered from "hill boil" (as
Michael Salter told me), the temperature needle swinging up to 212 whenever I
am stopped, but never boiling over. I put this down to some irregular water
circulation around the temp sensor when at idle.  I am not worried about that
- it has been doing it for 35 years.

However, the irregular running temp is getting worse.  Yesterday, driving on a
cool morning, the temp settled in at around 170, but inexplicably dropped to
around 120, where it stayed for the rest of the 2 hour trip.  I can only think
the thermostat is sticking open, but why would it function intermittently?
Also, the thermostat is only  a few years old and I do not drive the car
regularly.  I plan to pull the thermostat and test it, but thought I would
plumb the depth of knowledge on the list first.  I have no other explanation.
Suggestions?

Mirek
60 BT7
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