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Re: TR3 Overheating?

To: Adrian Jones <AdrianJones@compuserve.com>
Subject: Re: TR3 Overheating?
From: George Richardson <gprtech@frontiernet.net>
Date: Sat, 22 May 1999 16:12:09 -0400
Cc: triumphs <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Organization: Merlin Group Inc.
References: <199905221548_MC2-76B5-30D7@compuserve.com>
Try enriching the mixture to the engine. It may run less than optimally, but
it'll run cooler.

Adrian Jones wrote:

> Hi Folks,
> Well, I'm in another quandary (other projects will have to wait - heater
> replacement, valve noise, distributor springs, bikini top)
> Seems the old thing is overheating.  Read on:
> While I was putting in one of those new Moss Motors skirted thermostats, I
> took the opportunity to "calibrate" the temp gauge.
> The needle half way is 70C (158F), three-quarters is 90C (194F) and just
> below the red zone is 98C (208F).  The last point was with the pan of water
> boiling.  The Moss Motors sleeved thermostat started opening at 75C (167F),
> BTW.
> Both Haynes and Ball say the temp should not exceed 85C (185F)
> OK, today with an ambient temp of 80F, we went on a 10 mile trip "round the
> block" - country roads, zero traffic and I'm getting 90C.  Yesterday,
> coming home from work, again an ambient of 80F, with moderate traffic,
> stopping at traffic lights and such, it actually went into the red zone
> until I could get to the open road.  Needless to say I was very worried
> about doing some horrendous damage.
> The question is: is this sort of normal for a TR3?
> BTW, no matter how much coolant I put in, whenever I check  the level after
> a run, it has always dropped to 1/4" from the bottom of the "long neck".
> Let me tell you what I've done so far:
> Replaced and properly tensioned the fan belt (Remember that!)
> New coolant.
> New rad cap.
> New Castrol 20-50W.
> New sleeved Moss thermostat.
> Checked ignition timing.
> Plugs - they look wonderful, with a nice tan brown color.
> Installed two 12 oz overflow reservoirs for radiator (No, not beer cans!!)
> The PO says the radiator was checked out.
> There's zero sign of oil in the water and vice versa.
> The cardboard deflector for the radiator is in place and looks in good
> shape.
> Rad hoses feel good.
>
> According to Bob Schalers wonderful booklet (from TRF) I should be looking
> at getting an oil cooler.  I'm assuming the front apron has to come off for
> that installation. That seems major - anything easy I"ve missed?
>
> Anyhows, any comments would be appreciated, as always,   Adrian

--
George Richardson
The Wyvern - '57 TR3, TS15559L - http://www.merlingroupinc.com/tr3.htm
The Hippogrif - '71 Stag MKI, LE8176E - soon to get a site of it's own



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