Cooling system queries
Discussion
Hello everyone, this is the first time i've posted on here so would be greatful of any help.
I've had my '96 Chimaera 4.0 for about 14 months now and the only two problems I've had is the fans/horn fuse getting so hot it melted into the fusebox. Got this rewired and instead of the 40a fuse already there, replaced with a 30a and all has been fine since. Recently though, I overheated due to the fans not coming on, this time it was the fans relay that had actually melted - once replaced all fine again.
The concern I have is if there seems to be a problem with my cooling system or are these niggles that can happen?
My fans come on no problem, roughly around 85 but if sitting around in town traffic my fans are nearly constantly on due to the temp always sitting around 90. If I then check the relay etc, it's very hot indeed and of course give me concern this is going to happen again, but perhaps they all get this hot?
I've considered using Water Wetter to reduce temp slightly and know that shouldn't need to if cooling system works fine, but was wondering if this is a good idea to keep temp down a little and therefore give fans a more likely rest?
I've read lots of forums on here about the temps our cars run at, but if mine is running at about 90/95 in town traffic, does this sound normal to all you expert's out there? Also, when my Chim reaches what temperture should I start to get concerned?
Thank you in advance for any advice
I've had my '96 Chimaera 4.0 for about 14 months now and the only two problems I've had is the fans/horn fuse getting so hot it melted into the fusebox. Got this rewired and instead of the 40a fuse already there, replaced with a 30a and all has been fine since. Recently though, I overheated due to the fans not coming on, this time it was the fans relay that had actually melted - once replaced all fine again.
The concern I have is if there seems to be a problem with my cooling system or are these niggles that can happen?
My fans come on no problem, roughly around 85 but if sitting around in town traffic my fans are nearly constantly on due to the temp always sitting around 90. If I then check the relay etc, it's very hot indeed and of course give me concern this is going to happen again, but perhaps they all get this hot?
I've considered using Water Wetter to reduce temp slightly and know that shouldn't need to if cooling system works fine, but was wondering if this is a good idea to keep temp down a little and therefore give fans a more likely rest?
I've read lots of forums on here about the temps our cars run at, but if mine is running at about 90/95 in town traffic, does this sound normal to all you expert's out there? Also, when my Chim reaches what temperture should I start to get concerned?
Thank you in advance for any advice
Just a quick reply, sorry for it's brevity - visit the Mod-wise site and look at the Two Stage Fan kit.
Also, whilst you're on the site, think of investing in the Hot-Start kit.
Both are of excellent quality, and David Beer, the owner, is a top man - excellent for advice etc.
Why the Hot-Start kit as well? If you've not experienced hot-start difficulties yet, you surely will! There is nothing more frustrating than stopping to refuel, and being unablr to restart for about 20 mins (there are plenty of links on this forum to explain why!)
Both kits combined come in around the £100 mark, and are excellent value, especially when you look at the quality etc etc.
By the way, my 4.0 Chimeara, in the recent scorching weather, ran at up to 90-95 after a blast along the 'Cat and Fiddle' and was perfectly alright. Same in town, with the fans kicking in almost constantly in stop-start traffic, with no detriment.
Also, whilst you're on the site, think of investing in the Hot-Start kit.
Both are of excellent quality, and David Beer, the owner, is a top man - excellent for advice etc.
Why the Hot-Start kit as well? If you've not experienced hot-start difficulties yet, you surely will! There is nothing more frustrating than stopping to refuel, and being unablr to restart for about 20 mins (there are plenty of links on this forum to explain why!)
Both kits combined come in around the £100 mark, and are excellent value, especially when you look at the quality etc etc.
By the way, my 4.0 Chimeara, in the recent scorching weather, ran at up to 90-95 after a blast along the 'Cat and Fiddle' and was perfectly alright. Same in town, with the fans kicking in almost constantly in stop-start traffic, with no detriment.
you may find the reason for your electrics heating/up is if one of your fans is binding or the bearings have collapsed,just give the blades a spin to make sure they spin freely & dont bind.if your cooling system is up to scratch you have no need to waste your money on waterwetters,even with the standard settup,although the kit advised on previous post is a real bonus.check the otter switch in the ali coolant pot next to the n/side front of car to make sure its working before getting major involved.good luck.
That's good advice you've been given in the two previous replies.
As far as 'normal' temperatures are concerned, there's nothing definitive as no two cars are alike. Common opinion is that the gauges, combined with the senders only give you a vague idea of the actual temperature! The key here is that the temperature gauge always behaves in the same way. So, note what temperature the fans initially switch on. This should always be at the same reading on the gauge. Subsequent switching on and off won't necessarily correlate with a specific temperature on the gauge: the gauge reads the temperature of water about to leave the cylinder head, whereas the otter switch controlling the fans reads the temperature of water in the radiator.
You'll find that depending on the situation the gauge will sit at different readings. For instance, on an early morning blast in winter on open roads you might find the gauge staying as low as 60°C. On the other hand in summer, in standing or stop/start traffic, it might sit at 95°C. Just keep an eye on it for a while and learn what's normal for your car. If it suddenly moves out of its normal range, look for the problem.
As far as 'normal' temperatures are concerned, there's nothing definitive as no two cars are alike. Common opinion is that the gauges, combined with the senders only give you a vague idea of the actual temperature! The key here is that the temperature gauge always behaves in the same way. So, note what temperature the fans initially switch on. This should always be at the same reading on the gauge. Subsequent switching on and off won't necessarily correlate with a specific temperature on the gauge: the gauge reads the temperature of water about to leave the cylinder head, whereas the otter switch controlling the fans reads the temperature of water in the radiator.
You'll find that depending on the situation the gauge will sit at different readings. For instance, on an early morning blast in winter on open roads you might find the gauge staying as low as 60°C. On the other hand in summer, in standing or stop/start traffic, it might sit at 95°C. Just keep an eye on it for a while and learn what's normal for your car. If it suddenly moves out of its normal range, look for the problem.
I can echo the advice regarding the hot-start and fan kits. Both are well worth doing.
The fan kit acts as a backup incase of otter-switch failure as well as giving you much greater control over the fans. They reduce heat-soak and the 1/2 speed mode brings the fans up more gently reducing the startup load on the electrics.
The hot-start kit means you can avoid an embarassing wait at the petrol pumps...
More info on the installation of these kits can be found here and here.
The fan kit acts as a backup incase of otter-switch failure as well as giving you much greater control over the fans. They reduce heat-soak and the 1/2 speed mode brings the fans up more gently reducing the startup load on the electrics.
The hot-start kit means you can avoid an embarassing wait at the petrol pumps...
More info on the installation of these kits can be found here and here.
Edited by theaxe on Tuesday 1st August 11:38
Sounds as if you have got some contact resistance in the fuse and/or relay sockets. This could be a result of surface corrosion, or the terminals relaxing over time. Both of these problems can be exacerbated by the contacts getting hot so it can be a bit of a vicious spiral. You need to clean all the contacts and make sure they are all clamping firmly.
CockneyTVR said:
Hello everyone, this is the first time i've posted on here so would be greatful of any help.
I've had my '96 Chimaera 4.0 for about 14 months now and the only two problems I've had is the fans/horn fuse getting so hot it melted into the fusebox. Got this rewired and instead of the 40a fuse already there, replaced with a 30a and all has been fine since. Recently though, I overheated due to the fans not coming on, this time it was the fans relay that had actually melted - once replaced all fine again.
The concern I have is if there seems to be a problem with my cooling system or are these niggles that can happen?
My fans come on no problem, roughly around 85 but if sitting around in town traffic my fans are nearly constantly on due to the temp always sitting around 90. If I then check the relay etc, it's very hot indeed and of course give me concern this is going to happen again, but perhaps they all get this hot?
I've considered using Water Wetter to reduce temp slightly and know that shouldn't need to if cooling system works fine, but was wondering if this is a good idea to keep temp down a little and therefore give fans a more likely rest?
I've read lots of forums on here about the temps our cars run at, but if mine is running at about 90/95 in town traffic, does this sound normal to all you expert's out there? Also, when my Chim reaches what temperture should I start to get concerned?
Thank you in advance for any advice
I've had my '96 Chimaera 4.0 for about 14 months now and the only two problems I've had is the fans/horn fuse getting so hot it melted into the fusebox. Got this rewired and instead of the 40a fuse already there, replaced with a 30a and all has been fine since. Recently though, I overheated due to the fans not coming on, this time it was the fans relay that had actually melted - once replaced all fine again.
The concern I have is if there seems to be a problem with my cooling system or are these niggles that can happen?
My fans come on no problem, roughly around 85 but if sitting around in town traffic my fans are nearly constantly on due to the temp always sitting around 90. If I then check the relay etc, it's very hot indeed and of course give me concern this is going to happen again, but perhaps they all get this hot?
I've considered using Water Wetter to reduce temp slightly and know that shouldn't need to if cooling system works fine, but was wondering if this is a good idea to keep temp down a little and therefore give fans a more likely rest?
I've read lots of forums on here about the temps our cars run at, but if mine is running at about 90/95 in town traffic, does this sound normal to all you expert's out there? Also, when my Chim reaches what temperture should I start to get concerned?
Thank you in advance for any advice
You don't sound like a Cockney !.
Cider Andy said:
Subsequent switching on and off won't necessarily correlate with a specific temperature on the gauge: the gauge reads the temperature of water about to leave the cylinder head, whereas the otter switch controlling the fans reads the temperature of water in the radiator.
...swirl pot
I would echo the sentiments of GV8S and a couple of others, whist it is fine to go fitting the "extra" kits to help keep the cars cool, sort out the apparent problem you have first
Cider Andy said:
M@H said:
Cider Andy said:
...whereas the otter switch controlling the fans reads the temperature of water in the radiator.
...swirl pot
There's nothing reading the temperature of water in my swirl pot M@H, just the radiator.
mongoose said:
Cider Andy said:
M@H said:
Cider Andy said:
...whereas the otter switch controlling the fans reads the temperature of water in the radiator.
...swirl pot
There's nothing reading the temperature of water in my swirl pot M@H, just the radiator.
Indeed, but on a 96 it should be in the swirlpot.
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