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Re: TR3 Overheating?

To: "Musson, Carl" <musson@satie.arts.usf.edu>
Subject: Re: TR3 Overheating?
From: George Richardson <gprtech@frontiernet.net>
Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 10:29:01 -0400
Cc: "'Adrian Jones'" <AdrianJones@compuserve.com>, triumphs <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Organization: Merlin Group Inc.
References: <4B8EA6492CEBD211A3C80090271776D1C942@cambio.acomp.usf.edu>
The 3 has a metal shroud as part of the front sheet metal.

"Musson, Carl" wrote:

> Adrian - do you have the radiator shroud on?  Cardboard or metal deflector
> that channels the air flow through the radiator?   That it absolutely
> necessary for a TR3A - not sure whether you have a '3 or '3A and not sure if
> it is true for a '3.
>
> Carl
>
>         -----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

--
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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