Hello John:
I "enjoy" the same kind of climate as you - although not as hot and much
colder. However, we don't attempt to drive LBCs in winter. I would like
to suggest that you may be causing part of the problem yourself. It is not
a good idea to remove the thermostat to help cooling. The purpose of a
thermostat is to retain water in the radiator until it has had a chance to
cool, and conversely to retain water in the block until it has had a chance
to heat. This tends to keep the operating temperature of the car within an
efficient range. In cold weather and during warmups, the thermostat
permits a quicker warmup and allows more efficient heater operation. In
summer, it allows the radiator time to do its work.
The best solution is to replace the 190 stat with a 160. Even better is
the idea of having the rad re-cored with a new high-efficiency core - after
having the block chemically cleaned with an appropriate radiator flush.
Don't just buy anything off the shelf. See a good rad shop. I had this
done on my B last summer at a cost of about $160 US.
John McEwen
>I have a 1966 Spite MKIII. with the 1048 engine. I live in southern
>Indiana. The climate ranges from sub zero in winter to 95 plus in the
>summer. I have had the problem with the cooling system. It takes a very
>hot thermostat to warm the engine in the winter. In the summer I have to
>remove the thermostat and it still runs too hot. It will get hot enough
>to cause vapor lock problems with the S.U. carbs.
>I dont want to change the carbs. I like for the car to be as original as
>possible. I am thinking of installing an electric fan.
>The questions that I have for my fellow car buffs are:
>1. Will the electric fan help as much as I think it will. Has anyone
>tried it?
>2. Where did I see this advertised. Who has it for sale?
>3. Should this have any effect on the value of the car?
> Thanks to all
>John Hudson Sprite MKIII
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