Just to throw my wrench into the works:
I have read of different engines, most notably the Ford 429 if memory
serves, where removing the thermostat can actually cause problems because of
over-cooling. Once the block gets hot, it can only handle a certain "degree"
of stress. If the water used to cool the engine is too cool, cracking
starts.
Whether this would hold true for any specific Triumph engine remains to be
seen (or not as you prefer). The fact is that sometimes removing a
thermostat can provide temporary relief, but if you've developed a problem
you might as well fix it. It's a job to remove the thermostat anyway, why
not spend the time to troubleshoot your entire system?
You could add one of those nice Corvetter crossflow radiators while you're
tinkering and take care of your problem permanently. Or as permanent as an
old car allows.
Jay
WORKING HARDER at THINKING DIFFERENT
73+68 GT6 (One car, many parts)
Me: "It'll be back together for my daughter's graduation."
Them: "High school, or college?"
Me: "Grad school...."
----------
> From: <rtriplett@bjservices.com> (Richard Triplett)
> To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
> Subject: Overheating continued
> Date: Mon, 18 May 98 9:26:34 CDT
>
>
>I didn't realize what a firestorm I was creating by suggesting the
>thermostat should not be removed in order to solve overheating problems.
>When I stated that water could flow too fast for proper heat transfer, I
>was using data gathered from a hydraulics course I had recently completed.
>In that course the instructor stated that flow rate through a heat
>exchanger should be reduced in order for proper heat transfer to take
place,
> but he was referring to a system where a reservoir was used for excess oil
>storage. In actual practice, in a closed loop circuit such as an engine
>cooling system, flow could probably not exceed maximum efficiency, making
>my statement a moot point. I still stand by my statement that removing a
>good thermostat in order to try to fix an overheating problem is a bad
idea,
> because, sure, it may appear to run cooler, but if there are fundamental
>problems with the cooling system, it will still overheat when stressed, ie,
>on long idle & hot days, etc. Then you have the problem of cold days when
>the engine does not reach optimum operating temperature, the heater doesn't
>work, and fuel efficiency is reduced. You're not doing your engine any
>favors by running it below its most efficient temperature. May I leave the
>corner now?
>
>Richard Triplett
>62 TR3A
>78 Spitfire
>85 XJ6
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