[Mgs] MGA Overheating

[mgbob at juno.com]

Hi Tom,
  Replacing the 'stat should eliminate the possibility of the old 'stat
sticking closed.
  Timing would have to be way off the mark to cause the rapid overheating you
are experiencing. If the car performs half-way as it should, timing won't be
so far off that it would heat this fast.  Check timing anyway, but I don't
believe it's your problem.  Static timing check is OK for this. Description is
in the book, section B.7. You set the points opening, w feeler gauge or dwell
meter, turn engine with starting handle to get the pulley notch aligned with
the 5 degree pointer, then clip a 12v test light to the points so it
lights/extinguishes when you turn the distributor back & forth a few degrees.
Turn distrib clockwise to extinguish the light, then turn slowly anti
clockwise just until test lamp lights. Clamp the distributor. You will adjust
better later, but that's static timing, quick & easy.
  While you are turning the engine with the starting handle, observe the fan
rotation and the cup of the blades. Compare to illustration in book, fig C.3.
Cupped side should be aft, toward engine, with the metal web that bolts to the
pulley forward. If installed backward, it will move some air, but not much,
and it's prone to breakage.
  What comes out of the radiator when you open the drain cock? Is it
acceptable coolant or a gooey mess of crud?
  What comes out of the drain tap on right side, rear, of the block, Fig C.2?
These are frequently clogged (usually might be more accurate term) but you
should find some flow of coolant when the cock is removed.
  Does the engine heat up less quickly when heater valve is open? Opening the
valve allows the coolant to circulate through another few feet of hose and
another smaller radiator (heater heat exchanger). If heater is not heating,
something is clogged, probably the valve (R&R) but that's not  THE problem,
just  A low-priority problem.
  Keep us posted.
Bob



Does the heater blow hot air when the engine is hot?

---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Tom Gunderson" <thgun at comporium.net>
To: <Mgs at autox.team.net>
Subject: [Mgs] MGA Overheating
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:23:22 -0400

Thanks for all your responces. I Changed the oil and filter. I drained the
water and replaced the thermostat with a 195 deg.  I tightened the fan belt.
At this point the car still overheats after driving about 6 miles 50 mph,
3000
rpm. The oil preasure is about 20 pounds at 3000 rpm. I have not checked the
timming. What is the best way to do that?
Tom Gunderson
1957, 1500, MGA rst
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