Hot and Bothered Cobra

[AppleMan]

My Sumo lost its fan belt back in the summer. The fan belt has since been replaced but it now runs hot if I sit in traffic (100+) for more than about 5 mins.

I am thinking the water pump my have been damaged or the cause of the fan belt coming off, the new belt isn't moving everything around correctly, or the new belt tension isnt right. Could anyone give me any pointers?

What would be really helpful if someone could give me some pointers on what steps to take to sort a car that runs too hot.

Im a bit poor on the spanners so go easy on me )

Cheers

[GreenV8S]

Various things can make an engine run hot in traffic. A failing water pump is a long way down the list and it seems unlikely that this has anything to do with the fan belt failure. Usually a failing water pump just results in loose bearings, the seals wear out and the pump starts leaking. None of this affects the ability to shove water around.

I suggest you check that the coolant level is correct and the anti-freeze concentration is correct. Check the air side of the radiator isn't blocked with dead insects etc. Make sure the ignition timing is correct (retarded ignition will make it run hot).Make sure the idle mixture is correct (lean mix will burn hotter). Make sure the idle speed is correct (low idle will compromise the water flow rate). Make sure the fans come on reliably well before the temperature you want to hold the engine to. Make sure the fans are only pulling in cold air and aren't able to recirculate hot air from the engine bay.

[Furyous]

The pumpmay have spat the belt because its siezed, has anoyne checked the pump actually works ?

Lots of waterpumps ahve the vanes inside break up, so all they then do is cavitate the water.

Persoanlly, Id have the bugger off for an inspection.

Does the belt squeal ?

[Tony427]

Sounds like you could have an air lock, the 3.5 rover is notoriously difficult to bleed all the air from, especially in Sumo's so I'm led to believe as a result of header tank location.

Go to www.cobraclub.com and do a search on overheating RV8's.

Cheers,

Tony