80 replies to this topic

[mini_pooper]

Indeed, but it has a lower boiling temperature :) It never reached "H" on the gauge, only halfway between N and H. Anyone know (inaccuracies of the smiths gauges aside) what the temperature difference between a N reading and H reading is?

Adding coolant probably wouldn't make much difference to be honest as I would only ever use 33% concentration since its a summer car, but I'm going with a 2 core minispares rad once I drain this coolant anyway. It's not often 27 degrees, but it's nice to be prepared rather than wish it was done when you run into problems ;)

Edited by mini_pooper, 08 May 2018 - 04:28 PM.

[carbon]

My guess is that N = about 80C - 85C, and that H = about 105C - 110C

 

Best think of the standard Smiths water temp gauge as a trend indicator, if it goes up it is hotter. There are also a big number of permutations of sender unit and voltage stabliliser which will result in different readings for the same temperature.

 

If you want accurate temperature readings go for a Smiths capillary gauge. But can also be quite scary when you see how hot the engine coolant gets after a long fast run then turning the engine off...

[Spider]

'N' on the gauge depends on what sender you have, and this was based on what thermostat the car left the factory with. In the early years, this was 82 (but like Carbon says, between 78 - 85) and then in later years, this was 88 degrees (which would be at a guess from 85 to 95).

 

I probably wouldn't get too hung up on it and what specific temp it's indicating, but take it on what the gauge actually says ie, N (and about 1/4 swing either side of that) being normal and happy days, C means you'll freeze your back side off and you need to do more regular oil changes if it says there all the time and H of could means pull over but keep the engine ticking over, as long as your sure it still has coolant (which it likely will).

 

Drive it for a while and keep an eye on the gauge, you'll soon learn what's Normal for your car and work off that.

[gazza82]

It's more the anti-corrosion additives that you need from coolant ...

[Boycie]

Looks great on its S-offset steelies 

[Cooperman]

Great photos. Your car looks really good.
The Dunlop SP Sport is a fine tyre. Very predictable handling and good in the wet.