[TR] Coolant Level Question

[John Macartney]

Bill Beecher wrote:

 You still have to have a full system as
a 'half-full'
system will not provide the cooling that a TR3 needs.


Delving through some
of the Quality Control reports of 40+ years ago, there is ample evidence of
the wet liner 4 pot running considerable distances with low coolant levels or
no coolant at all - and without engine damage. This usually occurred when
*summer build" cars did not have anti-freeze in them and were parked up
awaiting shipment in the transit delivery compounds some thirty or forty miles
from the factory. Come the first frosts of winter and while they *should* have
had AF added, many went without, blew their core plugs - and were still
driven. The argument at the time was the delivery company had the obligation
to deliver the car for shipment and not to maintain it! Even so, the later
reliability records of that amazing engine not suffering consequential damage
are substantial and I could cite a true story attesting to this from personal
experience, but it's too long to repeat here.
Sure, fix the leak - and soon
but be aware that old lump can take incredible abuse with zero maintenance as
540,000 Ferguson tractors can attest to.

Jonmac