I was going over some old Sprite messages and found this item. Is this
true? Am I causing harm to my #4cylinder on my 1275 because I have the
water valve blanked off with a plate? I run only a stock downflow radiator
and an oil cooler.
From: Gregory_Schulz@mil-elect-tool.com
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 1999 2:24 PM
To: suhs2@hotmail.com
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net; team-thicko@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Temperature Question 2
Being a bug-eye (vintage racer) owner for only a few short months, the topic
of
the
heater valve on the rear of the engine still mystifies me.
I currently have a special adapter fitted to the head at that position with
the
temp
sender for my VDO gauge installed there. I've heard stories about #4 getting
hot,
and other stories about steam pockets forming if that valve is closed or
blanked
off. I decided to put my temp sender there to see if I could pick up any
indication.
With a 160 thermostat installed, and racing in mid-70 degree weather on
5/22, my
temp gauge read 180-200 on the false grid (no fan!) but once I was out on
the
track
at speed it went right down to 165-170 and stayed there. This indicated to
me
that
the rear section of my engine (water jacket around the #4 vacinity) was
rather
cool -
maybe too cool according to some paddock observers.
I had previously checked the calibration of my gauge prior to installation
to
make
sure it was reading correctly. So I'm either very lucky not to have a
temperature
problem in that area with my current set-up, or the problem is there but I
cannot
pick it up in that uppermost rear position for some reason.
Any thoughts appreciated, and TIA...
Greg Schulz
'58 Bug-eye (Vintage racer & street "legal")
Subject: Re: Temperature Question 2
Perhaps this is a good time to remind us that the heater valve on the rear
of the head MUST be kept open and flowing either through the heater or
directly into the heater return hose. Elsewise #4 will likely run too hot.
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