John,
I had the same problem a few years ago on my BN4 but after having the
engine completely rebuilt the problem went away. I never found the
exact cause but believe that I must have had some rust in the block that
was blocking a passage. If you decide to change fans do not use the
Texas Cooler, BCS carries a six blade 90 degree fan that doesn't flex
forward and pulls lots of air at idle. If you need the original for a
show you can change out fans in a matter of minutes. I tend to believe
that something is blocking a passage either in the radiator or the
block.
Don
57' BN4
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of John Snyder
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2004 6:32 PM
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Hot Problem
Hello List,
I have a problem w/ both of my recently restored tri-carb Healeys. One
is a
BN7 (2500 miles), and the other is a BT7 (1500 miles). Both overheat
very
quickly when idling in neutral. Both had a complete overhaul of the
engines,
both have new radiator cores (4 staggered rows of tubes, like the
factory
original). I also have an original, unrestored BT7 MK1 (head has never
been
off, radiator has never been rodded, has over 100,000 miles) that does
not
have this problem. Have owned this car for over 34 years.
Currently working on the BT7. Timing is right on, checked the clearance
between the water pump impeller and the housing, richened the fuel
mixture.
Took it for a drive on a deserted road at 30 mph, 4th gear, o'd, 3.54
axle,
about 1200 rpm. Ran cool, right on the thermostat. Stopped, put in
neutral,
but kept the engine at 1200 rpm. Started to overheat immediately.
Started
driving w/ same settings, and trmperature stabilized, and then started
to cool
down. Clearly the problem is air flow. The car has a standard fan, and
I
really don't want to go to a Texas Cooler as I would like to keep the
engine
original looking.
Question: Has anyone tried changing the pitch of the fan blades? I am
temped
to try this, but it could be a really big mistake. Won't try it unless
someone out there has had success and can tell me just how far to bend
them.
Maybe this is a Really Dumb Idea, but had to ask.
TIA
John Snyder
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