[Spridgets] '66 Sprite, stock 1275, California car, overheating question

Dean Hedin dlh2001 at comcast.net
Mon Jul 30 18:09:39 MDT 2012


I had a similar issue on my Bugeye. I was running around 195F-210F
Depending on how hot it was outsde.
Tried installing a 165F thermostat, no differnece.

Send the radiator out to get cleaned.  Most auto radiator places
don't even do this anymore.  Find a radiator place near the marinas
that works on boats.  They still work on brass radiators.

After he cleaned mine out I had a leak on one of the tubes.  The scaling
blockage previously was actually preventing it from leaking.

I isolated that tube out by drilling a tiny hole near the top and bottom of
the tube.  I then injected jb weld epoxy into the tube.  Still holding.

The cleaned out radiator made a huge difference.  It now holds 165F-175F
most of the time.  On a really hot day it might hit 185F.  

I also converted to the later 6 bladed polymer fan.  It eats more power and
Is a little noisy, but I would rather have the better cooling. 

You can also run water wetter in the coolant. 

>>
Subject: [Spridgets] '66 Sprite, stock 1275, California car,overheating
question

My '66 Sprite, stock 1275, has an overheating problem or anyway the gauge
shows that it is getting hot. What might some of the things to look for,
maybe unique? All fluids are full. Radiator is getting hot - thermostat is
working. Runs fine, does not seem to have an engine problem.  Suggestions?
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