Hi Toby,
Since you sent us some really nice shirts a few months ago, I thought it nice to
respond. In fact, I'm not proud I would respond either way.
To the point, Puddles runs about 190 in the summer. I'm like you in Calif. so,
I would investigate if you are running over 100 C. Because you are running a
side draft radiator, make sure all the air is out of the same. Crack the side
vent when the unit is hot. Careful this can be hazardous to your skin as the
water is real hot. When water starts to overflow, close it off. I have to do
the same thing on the Jag. It is the same setup. If this doesn't fix it, well
then it is take apart time to see what's going on.
As to your fuel problem, try to rebuild the fuel pump. It's a lot cheaper and
pretty simple to do. Next pull the tank. Look inside for dirt, if present most
change the tanks. Try running a a small stiff wire through the fuel line under
the car. This will clean out the line of trash. Change fuel filter to a see
through style, This way when it happens again you can see if there is fuel
there.
Rick or Ricwa coole in the new format
Toby Atwater wrote:
> Well after a good week of driving... my sprite is showing its age...
> hopefully simple solutions are all is needed...
>
> yes it almost happend! My date and I were on our way out to Dinner, and the
> Sprite had a steep climb up a parking ramp with a stop sign at the top...
> this was VERY steep... It barely makes it up and then I have to stop and
> wait for traffic, as I take off, it starts spuddering and dies. I apologize
> to my date, and then start it up again... and take off.... 20 yards later..
> .same thing... then it wouldnt start... only sputter and die.. after what
> seemed like an eternity (30 sec) I started it for the 4th or 5th time... and
> this time it was all good and I sped off, and we had a very nice evening.
> Now this supperting felt the same as when I had to clean the fuel system
> last week.... the old in line filter was NASTY! brown\red fuel dripping out
> of it when I turned it over. I thought my fuel system problems were solved
> when I replaced it and did my best to clean the tank (pouring clean gas
> through)... apperently not. Could the fuel pump not be strong enough to pump
> over that steep climb and left my carbs dry? Any suggestions are
> appreciated... Im thinking of just ripping everything out and speding a few
> days with a wire brush & compressed air and just bite the bullet and start
> scrubbing, and boil out the fuel tank, replace pump, etc...
>
> The past few days have been hot, 80+ degrees, my sprite is heating up way to
> much... the temp guage hit 130 degrees C (or about 266 F) which seems
> impossible. but it has only been really heating up today and yesterday. so
> I'm suspecting the thermostat is dieing. also I wanted to know... whats the
> operating temp of my sprite? around 90 C or around 200 degrees would be my
> guess, but I dunno. It seems to not warm up very fast on cool nights.
>
> Also... I have no experiance in this whole "expansion tank" thing. I just
> fill the radiator directly in my other car... but the Sprite seems to have a
> tank to accomodate the expansion of water when it heats up I guess... so I
> shouldnt fill this up all the way? Thanks.... for all the lists help...
>
> Toby One Knobč
>
> Toby Atwater, Santa Barbara, CA, tob@taltec.net
> 1969 Austin Healey Sprite, mk 4 "noname" (sunday driver, and special
> occasions)
> 1971 FJ-40 Toyota Land Cruiser "BEEF" (daily driver.. 3 on da tree)
--
52 MGTD,Sparky 74 MGB, B-tris 76 XJ12 Coupe, Jacque
60 Bugeye, Puddles 58 MGA Coupe, Ruby
http://www.softcom.net/users/walters
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/4644
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