My 2 cents on overheating. Before I rebuilt my engine I often had
overheating problems when at idle. I was told that the problem is lack of
air flow, more than anything else. Popping the hood never seemed to have
any real impact. So, I bought a flex fan which actually seemed to do the
trick - as long as you didn't mind sounding like a helicopter about to take
off. That thing could really pump air.
I considered electronic fans, but nixed them because I was told that they
hurt more than they helped if they were placed in front of the radiator and
that there was not enough room behind them in the Alpine.
Now that I have rebuilt the engine, I haven't had any problems - even on
the hottest days - and after putting the "stock" fan back in (you remember,
my 6 blade one which everyone denies came on an Alpine). I don't know if
it is the cleaned engine block or the NOS Holbay head or both - or maybe
just a good water pump. I can't imagine the Webers or H120 cam are helping
any,
- or the lifters for that matter. I have to admit I got mine from VB and
that they were marked for a Hunter or something and that I did not inspect
them super closely - though I don't remember any visual problems. Then
again, Jarrid wasn't around then to tell me what to look for! The
extremely anal Lotus mechanic who put the engine together for me did not
comment on them - though he certainly required other parts to be replaced.
So, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Meanwhile, I have long since seen the
light and have stopped buying from VB - but that's another upsetting story.
Jay
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