> Hi Folks,
> Well, I'm in another quandary (other projects will have to wait - heater
> replacement, valve noise, distributor springs, bikini top)
> Seems the old thing is overheating. Read on:
> While I was putting in one of those new Moss Motors skirted thermostats, I
> took the opportunity to "calibrate" the temp gauge.
> The needle half way is 70C (158F), three-quarters is 90C (194F) and just
> below the red zone is 98C (208F). The last point was with the pan of water
> boiling. The Moss Motors sleeved thermostat started opening at 75C (167F),
> BTW.
> Both Haynes and Ball say the temp should not exceed 85C (185F)
> OK, today with an ambient temp of 80F, we went on a 10 mile trip "round the
> block" - country roads, zero traffic and I'm getting 90C. Yesterday,
> coming home from work, again an ambient of 80F, with moderate traffic,
> stopping at traffic lights and such, it actually went into the red zone
> until I could get to the open road. Needless to say I was very worried
> about doing some horrendous damage.
> The question is: is this sort of normal for a TR3?
> BTW, no matter how much coolant I put in, whenever I check the level after
> a run, it has always dropped to 1/4" from the bottom of the "long neck".
> Let me tell you what I've done so far:
> Replaced and properly tensioned the fan belt (Remember that!)
> New coolant.
> New rad cap.
I have to ask; were you sure to get the right length radiator cap? TR3's have a
"deep neck" and require a special cap in order to seal properly.....not to be
found at the local AutoZone. Also, you DO have the deflectors installed to
direct air through the radiator? Mine, even with all the stuff you mentioned,
runs at 90 C most of the time, but doesn't get much hotter in stop-and-go
traffic. With summer already here in West Texas, cooling is a critical item.
Good luck!
Richard
|