Living in the West Texas desert presents unique problems with overheating
LBC's. I would like to pass along some tips I learned over the years:
(1)Don't remove the thermostat in an attempt to prevent overheating,
because the thermostat does several things; it maintains the engine at its
most efficient temperature, slows flow of water through radiator to ensure
heat dissipation (if water flows too fast, heat transfer will be reduced),
and helps maintain proper system pressure.(2)Make sure the shroud (if
fitted) is in good shape and in place, air, like water and current, takes
the path of least resistance which is, in this case, around the radiator
rather than through it. It's amazing how much a proper shroud will reduce
overheating. (3)don't paint your radiator! I learned this at a hydraulics
class, paint is a good insulator and will reduce efficiency of heat
transfer.(4)if you suspect radiator problems, a non-contacting infrared
temperature gauge will detect cool spots which represent loss of
circulation, also input and output temperature differences can help
troubleshoot the system(5)use the proper mixture of anti-freeze(50-50 works
for me)(6)install an overflow reservoir if not provided(7)use proper
pressure rated cap. I learned most of the above the hard way, sure wish
this group was around in the 70's!
Richard Triplett
62 TR3A
78 Spitfire
85 XJ6
Slow day at work
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