Dean:
The expansion you describe is normal. The expanded coolant should, however,
return to the engine block when it cools down. Perhaps your thermostat is
not functioning properly, or at all. I have installed in my '73 Spitfire a
180 degree thermostat and the engine runs cool and consistent. I also put
on a new cap, replacing the 26 year old unit when I had the radiator
reconditioned. I also found about 2 inches of rusty sludge in the expansion
bottle when I first bought the car. The expansion bottle tube may be
clogged and not allow proper return. (There should always be a couple of
inches of coolant in the bottle)
I'd recommend a thorough system flush, new hoses and a cooler thermostat.
(Most Spits have a 190 degree unit) Make sure that your head gastket is not
leaking (check for brownish/milky residue on the underside of the oil filler
cap. A bottle of Stop-Leak in the radiator will probably postpone your
having to pull the head for a while) Throw away the old cap and put on a
new one!
Good luck,
Walt Fogle
'73 Spitfire "Rose"
WA State/USA
>From: Dean Rayner <deanr@saville.co.uk>
>Reply-To: Dean Rayner <deanr@saville.co.uk>
>To: spitfires@autox.team.net
>Subject: Vanishing Water.
>Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 17:16:24 +0100
>
>Hi
>
>I have a strange cooling problem.
>
>My original Stanpart radiator sprung a leak, so I replaced it with a
>second hand 'Coventry Radiator Co.' radiator. (after-market patten
>part)
>
>Since then, every time the engine gets hot, ie. worked hard, coolant
>escapes past the radiator cap and into the expansion bottle. The
>engine over heats and I have to top it back up with water before
>continuing.
>
>I have checked the cap and it is a 13lb one as it should be.
>
>What do you think is happening? Is the cap which worked fine on the
>Stanpart radiator not sealing properly now??
>
>The new (old) radiator does not seem to have as many cooling fins as
>the Stanpart one. Is it not as efficient and therefore boiling up too
>easily?
>
>Your combined wisdom would be very appreciated.
>
>Dean Rayner
>MKIII Spit '68
>
>
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