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High Altitude Hot Running


Best Answer sdjones121 , 21 October 2013 - 01:24 PM

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but one I one thing I can't stand is searching forums for help, finding a long conversation about my particular issue, and then never finding a post that actually details the solution.

This weekend I finally had a chance to install a shiny new tropical fan.  While it took longer than expected, I couldn't be happier with the results.  Our weather is now about 20-30f degrees cooler than it was back in June when we were discussing this issue, but I was still having the same problem where letting the car sit for more than about one minute would lead to the temp needle skyrocketing in the red.  Well, after installing the tropical fan that is no longer the case.  In fact, it might be TOO good.  Now my engine runs very cool and this morning (granted it was about 4c out) the needle barely left the blue strip even after 20 minutes at 65 mph followed by stoplights galore.  With the hot running issue, I'd used a 71 degree thermostat, so I'm now going to swap that out for something in the 80s, at least during the winter.

So, bottom line, running at 5,200ft+ altitude I had to get rid of the cheap knockoff radiator and switch to a tropical fan to get adequate cooling. Thanks again for all the help!

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#46 sdjones121

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Posted 01 June 2013 - 01:38 PM

Whoops, sorry, I thought it was A-Cell that had asked. Should have scrolled up to double check.

 

I forgot to mention that I also tested the temp sender using the method Mainwaring suggested. the water I used was about 170f/76c and the dash gauge read right below the center of the gauge. With that in mind, I'm confident it's not a gauge or sender issue.



#47 A-Cell

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Posted 01 June 2013 - 01:41 PM

No worries. I am pretty sure that the Captain and I are agreeing on this! Just hope you get this sorted.
So trying a std copper rad is next step then. Go for it.

#48 sdjones121

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Posted 01 June 2013 - 01:49 PM

Just found a used, clean, standard 3-core radiator for $55. about £35. Sounds like a good deal to me.



#49 Captain Mainwaring

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Posted 02 June 2013 - 04:03 AM

No worries. I am pretty sure that the Captain and I are agreeing on this! Just hope you get this sorted.
So trying a std copper rad is next step then. Go for it.

 

Yep. with the timing properly set and the cooling system sorted....he is on to a winner!



#50 Captain Mainwaring

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Posted 02 June 2013 - 04:04 AM

Just found a used, clean, standard 3-core radiator for $55. about £35. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

Would you take a few comparison photos when you swap them over please? 

 

I'm sure this will cure your problems.



#51 sdjones121

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Posted 02 June 2013 - 01:55 PM

Of the radiators themselves? Sure.



#52 sdjones121

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Posted 21 October 2013 - 01:24 PM   Best Answer

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but one I one thing I can't stand is searching forums for help, finding a long conversation about my particular issue, and then never finding a post that actually details the solution.

This weekend I finally had a chance to install a shiny new tropical fan.  While it took longer than expected, I couldn't be happier with the results.  Our weather is now about 20-30f degrees cooler than it was back in June when we were discussing this issue, but I was still having the same problem where letting the car sit for more than about one minute would lead to the temp needle skyrocketing in the red.  Well, after installing the tropical fan that is no longer the case.  In fact, it might be TOO good.  Now my engine runs very cool and this morning (granted it was about 4c out) the needle barely left the blue strip even after 20 minutes at 65 mph followed by stoplights galore.  With the hot running issue, I'd used a 71 degree thermostat, so I'm now going to swap that out for something in the 80s, at least during the winter.

So, bottom line, running at 5,200ft+ altitude I had to get rid of the cheap knockoff radiator and switch to a tropical fan to get adequate cooling. Thanks again for all the help!



#53 baldric

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Posted 22 October 2013 - 05:08 AM

you say that you flushed the rad out and found a load of gunk just a thought ( get the rad tanks taken off have a profecional radiator clean ( clean the cores out ) is that part of the country hot different from the uk that can have an affect on temperature climb I would explore the cooling system fully first without getting technical give it the K,I.S.S. no intention of being rude ,,, if you are driving in heat of 35 to 40 c the motor needs all the cooling that it can get ,,, not being in the states and knowing the conditions you are driving in its hard to give advice for your particular part of the world ,,, check on the web to see if there is any mini groups in your particular state ,,, there advice will be invaluable ,,, and tell them the whole story in entirety also look for a mini enthusiast close to you that you can have a yarn with
baldric ( Australia )




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