Discussion
Are the fans on all the time or just turning on for short periods? If they just come on for short periods especially when you are in traffic or stationary then that is normal. If they are on constantly then that is not normal.
Yes they can run hot because the fibreglass is not a good conductor of heat so it traps a lot of heat in the engine bay
The gauge is not particularly accurate due to the location of the temp gauge, so don't assume that because it reads 90 that is what the temperature is. As long as the gauge stays relatively stable then I would not think you have a problem. Do you have any other symptoms that your car is overheating? Loss of fluid?
You can check the temperature of various parts of the engine and cooling system with an infra red thermometer, also if you have RoverGauge there is an engine temperature readout which uses a sensor in a more reliable location than the one for the gauge.
Yes they can run hot because the fibreglass is not a good conductor of heat so it traps a lot of heat in the engine bay
The gauge is not particularly accurate due to the location of the temp gauge, so don't assume that because it reads 90 that is what the temperature is. As long as the gauge stays relatively stable then I would not think you have a problem. Do you have any other symptoms that your car is overheating? Loss of fluid?
You can check the temperature of various parts of the engine and cooling system with an infra red thermometer, also if you have RoverGauge there is an engine temperature readout which uses a sensor in a more reliable location than the one for the gauge.
I take it you've checked everything is full of water where it should be, rad, header and expansion tanks etc?
Other possible could be a problem with your thermostat, it must be opening to an amount or you'd soon exceed 90°C but maybe it's not allowing full flow.
Do both fans come on, also worth a check.
Hope this helps.
Other possible could be a problem with your thermostat, it must be opening to an amount or you'd soon exceed 90°C but maybe it's not allowing full flow.
Do both fans come on, also worth a check.
Hope this helps.
First of all, flush and replace coolant, plus check all hoses. It may also be worth checking the thermostat, to ensure water is circulating properly. The TVR has a larger bore stat than the standard RV8. It appears to be a common issue to get air trapped in the system.
It is also possible that the previous owner has fitted a different otter switch, resulting in the fans being turned on earlier and then not cooling sufficiently to turn them back off. The best way to ascertain the coolant temp is to connect to the ECU via something like RoverGuage or ECU Mate. This should tell you what temp the engine is running that and when the fans are cutting in.
My car runs at 85/86 degrees under normal driving conditions, with the rad doing the cooling. It doesn't take long for this temp to rise once stationary. My new otter switch kicks in at 92 and off at 88. It takes a little getting used to as it comes and goes off much sooner and a little more frequently.
I guess what I'm trying to say is: check and rule out the basics, go through the diagnostics and then consider replacing parts that you need, not second guessing the parts you think you need!
It is also possible that the previous owner has fitted a different otter switch, resulting in the fans being turned on earlier and then not cooling sufficiently to turn them back off. The best way to ascertain the coolant temp is to connect to the ECU via something like RoverGuage or ECU Mate. This should tell you what temp the engine is running that and when the fans are cutting in.
My car runs at 85/86 degrees under normal driving conditions, with the rad doing the cooling. It doesn't take long for this temp to rise once stationary. My new otter switch kicks in at 92 and off at 88. It takes a little getting used to as it comes and goes off much sooner and a little more frequently.
I guess what I'm trying to say is: check and rule out the basics, go through the diagnostics and then consider replacing parts that you need, not second guessing the parts you think you need!
caduceus said:
THanks for the info 
One thing - If my heater blower doesn't work, is it impossible to bleed all air out of the system? Or is whacking the heater on full (as has been the case for eons) not necessary to get all the air out?
Cheers
My blower isn't working either. Just ensure that your heater is set to hot, so that coolant circulates around the heater too.One thing - If my heater blower doesn't work, is it impossible to bleed all air out of the system? Or is whacking the heater on full (as has been the case for eons) not necessary to get all the air out?
Cheers
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