[Healeys] Runnin' hot

[Bob Spidell]

One of the major topics (along with 'which oil,' 'which tires,' etc.). 

Healeys tend to run hot, probably due to being underradiated with not-too-good airflow through the engine compartment (hence louvers, gills, etc.). 

If block, radiator and coolant are clean, check timing, water pump, thermostat and mixture. If those are good, possible remedies include: 

1) better fan (SS flex work best but can be noisy, 'Texas Cooler' type plastic fans work OK and aren't quite as noisy) 
2) shroud and/or baffling around radiator and fan 
3) wrap or coating on exhaust manifold and downpipes 
4) 'Water Wetter' or similar in coolant might get a couple degrees 

Water has better heat transfer characteristics than anti-freeze; if coolant mixture has too much anti-freeze (over 50%) you lose some cooling capacity. If you live/drive in an area that never/rarely freezes a 60/40 water/AF or even a 70/30 mixture should be fine. 

I've tried most/all the available remedies (except for gills/louvers) and my BJ8's temp will creep up at idle on hot days; otherwise it's tolerable. 

Bob 

-------------------------------- 
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA 

----- Original Message -----


Thanks for all the replys. I didn't know that too "rich" a coolant mix could 
would make it run hooter, and it does look awfully deep green. I think I 
should start with a temp check (duh!) for a baseline; and then change 
coolant mix.. So I am looking at ir thermometers on evilBay, and I notice 
some are pretty low priced. Can anyone comment on the wisdom of going cheap, 
on a tool I will only use 5 or 6 times a year, at best. 

Again thanks, Alan