Dave, I appreciate your recommendations. I've tried to test the gauge
before without removing it from the dash, and I got misleading results that
delayed my determination that the gauge was inaccurate for a couple years.
At that time, I had had the gauge professionally rebuilt and assumed that it
would have been properly calibrated, but it wasn't. I won't be satisfied
with the condition of the gauge until I test the sensor directly in boiling
water and it puts the needle on 212 and no higher. The only calibration
points on the gauge as I see it are at 212 and 132 - 141 (?). The first is
easy to achieve precisely, but the second not so easy.
I've pulled and installed my radiator so many times I can do it in about 15
minutes. Last time I had it out, I blew out the fins with a compressor.
Not much came out but miscellaneous bugs. The fins are fine. The interior
may be plugged, but it looks O.K. as far as I can see through the filler
neck, and the coolant is never discolored or has any particles in it when I
drain it.
It's a long-running problem only when I'm down south. When I take the car
north, I have no problems with "overheating". It runs at 190 all day on the
road.
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Porter [mailto:frogeye@porterscustom.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 7:11 PM
To: 'BJ8 Healeys'
Cc: 'Austin Healey List'
Subject: RE: [Healeys] Fw: Thermostats
Steve no need to remove the gauge. Just stick a thermometer in the radiator
before it gets that hot or leave the cap off as it warms... the blanking
sleeve and a "calibrated hole restrictor" in place of the thermostat should
give the best cooling results.
It sounds like this has been a long running problem. Put a bright light
behind the radiator and peer through from the front. Does the light coming
through seem correct or less than you would expect?
Run a comb designed for radiators thorough the fins. Even small amounts
of paint will cause constant overheating.
dave
Commercial hvac guys use a product called Nu-brite on condenser coils to
clean off grease and misc. foreign matter that is sucked into the coils. ~8
bucks at supply houses. Internet? Maybe..
frogeye@porterscustom.com
Porter Customs 2909 Arno NE
Albuquerque, NM USA 87107
505-352-1378
1954 BN2 1959 AN5
Porter Custom Bicycles
08/26/10 14:34:00
_______________________________________________
Healeys@autox.team.net
Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
Suggested annual donation $12.75
Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
|