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MG MGB Technical - Engine Temp.

Hi....How quick should the temp of the engine move towards the 'H'?, on my '67 B GT the needle moves and sits on the 'H' if the car has been standing for about 1 minute, is this normal?
David

David. It should never go to the H position if everything is working properly.
I would suggest you check the the water temperature to make sure the
engine isn't overheating. You can use a kitchen/meat thermometer, the
kind that has a probe for the test. If the engine isn't overheating your gauge
is faulty. I believe your car has the combination gauge, so the heat side is
not a do it yourself repair and would need replacing if it is defective.
Clifton
Clifton Gordon

I agree with Clifton, it really shouldn't ever get that high! You don't say if this is a recent problem?

Basically, the fan (and the cooling system in general) should be able to maintain a 'normal' working temperature under most driving conditions (remember depending on car, weather and driving conditions, normal can be practically anywhere between the extreme's on the dial!).

Check fluid flow (water and oil) ie make sure that the water radiator (and/or oil cooler) isn't silted up (a blocked radiator's an old favourite), there's no blocked or folded pipes and that the water pumps and thermostat are working (I'd suggest that the stat probably isn't). Also check that there's enough water in the system - with no air-locks.

The thermometer and/or sender units are known to fail although in my experience (with other cars) they tend to give a low reading. I also think that as your car's temperature rises as the cooling effect of the air flow is lost the dial's probably working ok. Does it return to a lower temp after a while, that's a sure fire symptom of a poorly operating stat?

You haven't got a radiator grill cover fitted by any chance have you (or installed the favourite 'bacofoil around the piece of cardboard, option?). I tried a radiator cover earlier this winter and the engine overheated within three miles!

Bob
Bob Everick

hi,
when you say 'standing' do you mean after the engine has been switched off?
My guage rises midway between the N and H when the car is left standing with the engine off between 3 and 4 mins, say when refuelling. Immediatley drops to N once the engine is running again. I've assumed this is just due to a hot spot once the water has stopped being ciculated. It has not caused a problem in 18 months but should I too be worried?
cheers
Steve
Steve Coulson

This is called ' heat soak ' and is , within reason , normal - pegging your temp. gauge is always bad no matter what . I'd take the radiator out and have it rodded out plus swap the thermostat for a 185 degree one just to be safe .

If you look in the radiator and see red , your cooling system is badly in need of flushing and you can do this @ home and save $100.00 .

Don't put fresh antifreeze in there if the water turns red after a day of driving - keep on flushing untill it stays clear . rusty , dirty coolant will cause your car to run hotter that it should , never a good thing in an MG .

-Nate
Nate

This thread was discussed between 01/01/2002 and 02/01/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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