Discussion
Try a Low Tech Solution
Most cars tend to run cool in cold weather when the external temp is low,and use more fuel
the trick is to restrict the airflow enough to get the engine up to working temp as quickly as possible
without overheating when stationary or in slow moving traffic.
I am unfortunately old enough to remember cars with radiator blinds which could be adjusted
and old Austins with an external grill cover with roll down sections to adjust the air flow through the radiators. I used to blank of the bottom half of the radiator with a piece of cardboard on one car I used to travel to work in. Another had some aluminium foil over part of the external grill which the wind kept in place
I would try that first,its a cheap solution, without altering the plumbing, keep your eye on the temp gauge you can jump out and remove it or adjust it as required
Most cars tend to run cool in cold weather when the external temp is low,and use more fuel
the trick is to restrict the airflow enough to get the engine up to working temp as quickly as possible
without overheating when stationary or in slow moving traffic.
I am unfortunately old enough to remember cars with radiator blinds which could be adjusted
and old Austins with an external grill cover with roll down sections to adjust the air flow through the radiators. I used to blank of the bottom half of the radiator with a piece of cardboard on one car I used to travel to work in. Another had some aluminium foil over part of the external grill which the wind kept in place
I would try that first,its a cheap solution, without altering the plumbing, keep your eye on the temp gauge you can jump out and remove it or adjust it as required
Well, been doing a bit of under bonnet plumbing this weekend following on from my theory that TVR got it wrong. I have now removed the water pump bypass hose from the swirl pot and blanked off the swirl pot connection. I have brazed a 16mm pipe into the steel link pipe in the bottom hose and connected a longer hose from the pump bypass to it.
The car now warms up to normal (middle of the gauge) in 6 minutes and stays there regardless of speed. Not sure how it will perform in the summer but have a plan B using a bypass thermostat just in case I get over heating.
Amazing how well the car runs when its at the right temperature.
Also discovered that the fan was wired back to front, don’t know if that was original or a previous owner.
Rob.
(edited for spelling)
The car now warms up to normal (middle of the gauge) in 6 minutes and stays there regardless of speed. Not sure how it will perform in the summer but have a plan B using a bypass thermostat just in case I get over heating.
Amazing how well the car runs when its at the right temperature.
Also discovered that the fan was wired back to front, don’t know if that was original or a previous owner.
Rob.
(edited for spelling)
Edited by Griffinr on Sunday 6th February 21:06
I'd just placed an entry on my site then thought I'd have a look here again.... I clamped off the 5/8" hose from the pump to the swirl pot as a test and found that I was getting warm air out of the heater vents within 1 mile of my house and within 2 miles the temperature needle was at the 9 o'clock position. OK, so today wasn't the coldest day but it certainly was an improvement compared to what I have experienced before.
Jed
Jed
Jed-S said:
I clamped off the 5/8" hose from the pump to the swirl pot as a test
Jed
Ok as a test with the heater valve open but I would'nt leave it like that. Jed
Mines also up to temp in about 2 miles, it will be interesting to see what effect it has on fuel consumption as its always run too cool in all but the hotest weather or very hard driving.
Just need to see how it copes with the hot weather now. If I get a problem I will add a second (remote) thermostat to direct hot pump bypass water back to the swirl pot.
Rob.
Now been running for 2 weeks with the modified cooling system and no problems. Up to normal temp in 2 miles and stays there just like a normal car. Edges up a bit in slow traffic but the fan hasn't cut in yet so am hopeful it will cope in the summer. Running and sounding much smoother, and the heaters brilliant.
Petrol gauge seems less inclined to head south also.
Rob.
Petrol gauge seems less inclined to head south also.
Rob.
Just thought I'd post a update on the cooling system mod now we've had some warm weather. Car is still behaving itself, the fan has still not cut in at all in normal use. Done a check on the fuel consumption and am now getting 32mpg on local running around town (I was getting 22 over the winter before I re-routed the bypass hose. Well pleased.
Rob.
Rob.
Griffinr said:
Just thought I'd post a update on the cooling system mod now we've had some warm weather. Car is still behaving itself, the fan has still not cut in at all in normal use. Done a check on the fuel consumption and am now getting 32mpg on local running around town (I was getting 22 over the winter before I re-routed the bypass hose. Well pleased.
Rob.
Good work Rob and well done for keeping us all up to date, this will go on my to do list.Rob.
Cheers.....Tony..
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