Discussion
Okay, when you do a track day, it's common practice to regularly check coolant levels etc, common sense stuff. In previous cars this was easy, just look at the bottle.
Now, in the griff the expansion tank is metal, so you can't check it except by opening it up when it's cooled down!
So, when you guys do track days, do you just cross your fingers and hope for the best or what?
I'm due to do a track day in October. I do lose a little coolant, though I'm fairly certain it's only when cold and the hoses are not heat-expanded. I'm going to do a routine bolt-tightening exercise, but short of lookin under the car for wet spots what else can I do?
I though about squeezing pipes to feel for water, but not sure which if any would be best for this purpose to ensure "enough" water is in.
Now, in the griff the expansion tank is metal, so you can't check it except by opening it up when it's cooled down!
So, when you guys do track days, do you just cross your fingers and hope for the best or what?
I'm due to do a track day in October. I do lose a little coolant, though I'm fairly certain it's only when cold and the hoses are not heat-expanded. I'm going to do a routine bolt-tightening exercise, but short of lookin under the car for wet spots what else can I do?
I though about squeezing pipes to feel for water, but not sure which if any would be best for this purpose to ensure "enough" water is in.
All you can do it check the expansion tank, and make sure there is about two inches of air in the top - anymore, add some water, any less and there is not enough room for expansion.
Also unscrew the brass cap on the swirl pot and make sure it's full.
Your engine should not get that hot on a track day surprising, as there is plenty of air flow over the car - racing cars don't even have fans!
If you see the gauge go too high, pull off, let it cool and check the level. You can always crack the header tank cap to release the pressure.
Thinking about it, if there is not enough water in the system, the water that's there will expand too much and turn in to steam. Then you will see this coming out from under the bonnet.
>> Edited by starmist on Wednesday 15th September 12:26
Also unscrew the brass cap on the swirl pot and make sure it's full.
Your engine should not get that hot on a track day surprising, as there is plenty of air flow over the car - racing cars don't even have fans!
If you see the gauge go too high, pull off, let it cool and check the level. You can always crack the header tank cap to release the pressure.
Thinking about it, if there is not enough water in the system, the water that's there will expand too much and turn in to steam. Then you will see this coming out from under the bonnet.
>> Edited by starmist on Wednesday 15th September 12:26
starmist said:
All you can do it check the expansion tank, and make sure there is about two inches of air in the top - anymore, add some water, any less and there is not enough room for expansion.
Trouble is you have to wait a good while for it to cool, lest you be scalded!
starmist said:
Also unscrew the brass cap on the swirl pot and make sure it's full.
Same I'd guess you'd get scalded by steam or pressure release here too?
starmist said:
Your engine should not get that hot on a track day surprising, as there is plenty of air flow over the car - racing cars don't even have fans!
That's what I'd have thought, until DustyC (and others I think) have reported 100c + when doing track days, making them look for alternative registration plate mountings. I assume from this that the excess use of WOT on the engine negates the extra air supply from constant movement.
starmist said:
Thinking about it, if there is not enough water in the system, the water that's there will expand too much and turn in to steam. Then you will see this coming out from under the bonnet.
The last thing I want to see is steam coming from by bonnet
I’ve not done a track day, but I have been through it trying to get my Griff to stay cool, so these are just my thoughts on the subject.
The ram air cooling effect only really works on a Griff at high sustained speed using moderate revs (assuming no splitter fitted) so constant speeding up and slowing down revving to say 5k I wouldn’t expect any benefit.
All you can realistically do is watch the gauge.
I would however remove the front number plate (if this is allowed), fit a splitter, fit a fan override and switch the fans on to constant.
Cheers,
Simon.
The ram air cooling effect only really works on a Griff at high sustained speed using moderate revs (assuming no splitter fitted) so constant speeding up and slowing down revving to say 5k I wouldn’t expect any benefit.
All you can realistically do is watch the gauge.
I would however remove the front number plate (if this is allowed), fit a splitter, fit a fan override and switch the fans on to constant.
Cheers,
Simon.
Depending on the day's format, you may have a break for lunch after which the temp should be low enough for you to remove the expansion tank lid. If the weather is hot, the car will get hot but as has been said, removing the front no. plate will help. Mmm.. I want to go on track again 
I think the hottest they get is when you turn the engine off after the cool down lap. When it stops circulating the coolant gets that bit hotter so if there are any leaks they tend to occur then (at least thats what my S3 used to do).
If there is a big pool of coolant under the car before the next session then check it out (it ought to be cool enough to remove caps then). If not just leave it and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
If there is a big pool of coolant under the car before the next session then check it out (it ought to be cool enough to remove caps then). If not just leave it and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff