[Healeys] Hot Healeys

[Bob Spidell]

Yes, I know all our cars are "Hot!" (a la P. Hilton ;)

But, I'm talking running temps here.  Although my BJ8 has a clean block, 
good stock baffling, an Excel-cored radiator, RedLine Water Wetter and a 
Texas Cooler fan I still get a temperature rise sitting idle on a hot 
day (it'll creep up from 180F to 200F or higher in a few minutes).  
Moving temp is under control, except when pulling a grade on a hot day.

Anyway, last time I did muffler work I wrapped the downpipes with header 
wrap (from good ol' JC Whitney).   The last couple days, we've had 
record temps in the SF Bay Area, and I've been able to test this mod.  
My "data" is empirical/observational at best, but it appears the wrap 
helps keep the temps under control, especially sitting at idle.  It's 
not a miracle fix, but seems to reduce hot idling temps by 5-10degF.  It 
also appears that the gas exiting the muffler is hotter (measured by the 
palm of my hand).  That's heat exiting at the rear instead of trapped in 
the engine compartment.  Looks kinda cool, too.

I agree with others that a flex fan is more effective than a Texas 
Cooler-type fan, but I couldn't stand the noise at idle.


bs

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Bob Spidell           San Jose, CA            bspidell at comcast.net
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