Adrian,
One common problem worth checking is the radiator cap. Yep, the one you just
replaced. On the 3's and early 4's, the radiator cap is longer than the
typical cap (1" deep vs 3/4" deep). If you get a new cap at Auto Zone,
they'll sell you the short one. With the short one, even though the cap
feels like it's going on right, it's not seated on the inside flange. The
result is the same as running without any cap at all.
Bill Babbitt
TR3A in a bag (hopefully not for ever)
Gales Ferry, CT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Adrian Jones [SMTP:AdrianJones@compuserve.com]
> Sent: Saturday, May 22, 1999 3:49 PM
> To: triumphs
> Subject: TR3 Overheating?
>
>
> 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
>
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