Robert:
STOP! Do not pass go, do not go to the radiator shop.
The stock MGB radiator is more than capable enough for the car. You
don't have to go modifying the heck out of it.
We run a supercharger and air conditioning on a 1973 MGB with totally
stock radiator. It topped out at 215 degrees pulling a really steep
grade outside of San Luis Obispo at 70 mph.
The first thing I would do is get an infrared thermometer and use it to
check that the thermostat is opening correctly. This will also check the
accuracy of the add on gauge.
The cooling fan whether mechanical or electric is only going to make a
difference at low speeds. So if the car is overheating at normal driving
speeds either the thermostat is not opening correctly, the radiator is
clogged, or the engine has some major problems.
Installing a super thick radiator is only addressing one possible
problem, which is the plugged radiator.
Kelvin Dodd
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mgs-bounces+doddk=mossmotors.com@autox.team.net [mailto:mgs-
> bounces+doddk=mossmotors.com@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
> RampantNM@aol.com
> Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 9:17 AM
> To: MG-MGB@yahoogroups.com; mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: [Mgs] BGT problems
>
> OK, I've had a problem with the BGT overheating for some time. I
drive
> about 25 miles one way to work. The car starts and runs fine, about
4-5
> miles
> into the drive it hits 200 degrees..190 degree thermostat, aftermarket
> add on
> temp guage I ASSUME is correct.
>
> In the next 5-10 miles it bounces around 200 to 220 degrees, and for
the
> last 5 miles pushes 230+. I end up coasting down hills to keep it
under
> 220
> until I get to work.
>
> I thought maybe it was a timing problem. So I bought a newly rebuilt
> distributor and installed it yesterday. I tried to be careful and
keep
> the
> same
> orientation as the old distributor that had been set at 11 degrees
BTDC.
> The
> car started well, and ran great, but in less than five miles was
bumping
> 220!
>
> I have an appointment with a radiator shop to build me a new radiator,
> perhaps with more rows, and to move the pusher electric fan to a
puller
> position.
> But he can't get the car in until the 23rd of October.
>
> By the way, I've noticeds a quirk in the electric fan. As I pull up
to
> park
> and turn the engine off, I can hear the fan start up...as if it has
not
> been
> running until I stop. Also, the temp probe for the fan is at the
bottom
> of
> the radiator. Wouldn't it be more accurate at the top?
>
> TIA for any helpful suggestions.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert B. Houston
> 63 TR4
> 74.5 MGBGT
> 73 MG Midget
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