Engine Cooling Fan Question

[Sunnysu]

I've just been reading one of the other posts and it has prompted me to ask:- Should the engine cooling fan on an early S1 stay on for a while after the engine has been switched off if it is hot?" The engine has overheated a couple of times during warmer weather. I have been told to leave the engine running to keep the fan running.

[DamianS3]

Hello

No the fan won't typically stay on with the s it doesn't have the circuitry to control it.

You can get kits to do this but imho you should not have to. A healthy cooling system will not overheat.. I get leaving it running a while if you have just come off very spirited drive but I always try to get this done once back in the 30 zone so never been an issue for me.

So airlock, fan trouble, thermostat etc... Usual cooling suspects... Also is it defiantly overheating or just leaking from top of swirl pot..?

Cheers

Damian s3

[greymrj]

Totally agree, if it is overheating something needs sorting. These engines are not prone to overheating and the system in the TVR will cope fine if it is in decent condition.

Some interesting discussion here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=20&...

Yours has K Jetronic injection. Do not be tempted to go down the waterless coolant route!

Hadn't yours been standing a bit? In which case I would start with a proper flush of the cooling system using a flushing additive and see if you can get the water running absolutely clean first. Lots more things to suggest but first things first!

[Sunnysu]

There have been suspicions about the reliability of the thermostat as the engine temp has always been on the border of the red upper (boil) limit on the dial. The engine has only really boiled once and that was in June on an absolutely roasting day after a longish run.

[greymrj]

Changing the thermostat should be straightforward but it does need some preparation and care. The problem is the way it is mounted on the 2.8, which is very different to the 2.9. It can be difficult to get the through bolts out as they are steel in aluminium and are almost certain to be corroded in, and the thermostat housing cover is quite easy to damage. Soak it repeatedly in WD40 for DAYS beforehand! Then be gentle!
If the water coming out is badly discoloured then I would suggest replacing the thermostat cover after taking the thermostat out, putting a water system flushing compound in, then running the engine quite hard before dropping the water. Only then put the new thermostat in.
It isnt the easiest system to refill as there are a number of possible places for air locks. I had to fit a bleed valve (from CarBuilderSolutions) to the highest point in the heater hosing to help. Obviously, important to remember to have the heater in the on position while flushing/filling.........exactly as I did(nt!!!!)