9 replies to this topic

[Minidude7]

Ok...

Those who are familiar with my posts will know that I have just completed an engine swap in my 1983 mini with a 1994 998cc engine... Like for like.

The reason for my swap was due to an overheating engine that I couldn't fathom... Which resulted in a change of the head gasket which wasn't broken, then water in the oil etc but then after the change and a skim it started with a clunk an I think there may be some crank issues... Hence why it was cheaper to fit a new engine...

I managed to start the car today but after a short time of running it is obvious that the engine seems to be running hot as the last one was. I am running out of reasons why it would overheat. I am wondering whether the timing being slightly out or the carb needing adjusting as it's running a little fast would be a reason for it to overheat??

The other thing I think it could be that I haven't changed is the radiator.... Could this cause an overheating issue... If so does anyone recommend a cheap standard radiator?? I.e links if you have them??

Thanks everyone...
Nearly there... Only MOT once this overheating issue is sorted...

Thanks
Rob

[Minidude7]

Further to the above I wanted to clarify that it runs on, that's how I know it's overheating... I haven't seen any other signs of overheating and have only run it the once as I stopped it as soon as I noticed an issue...

[gazza82]

Do you know if the rad has ever had radweld (or raw egg!) added to prevent leaks? Might be worth trying to back flush it with hose to wash any gunk out ... it might be blocking the small waterways.

[Cerberus]

Have you got an infrared temp gun that you can use to actually determine what the temp is?

 

If the radiator is no good, then yes, that obviously could cause it to overheat.

 

 

How short a time was it before you thought it was overheating?  I had a similar panic with one of our other cars, temp gauge shot up after about a minute of running, as my Dad pointed out at the time, it wasn't overheating as it couldn't generate that amount of heat in that space of time, and sure enough, temp gun showed the temp to be nowhere near overheating.

[Minidude7]

I don't think the Rad has had Radweld, at least not while I have had it... I have got a flush ready to clean the rad out

I haven't got a temp gun but the engine was getting hot quickly and running on after about 5 -10 minutes of running...

Just wondered if the timing being slightly out would cause it to run on like that...

[Dusky]

Are you testing while drying? Or while just standing ?

[gazza82]

Incorrect timing won't help but neither will other issues. What plug are you running? If they are wrong they can overheat too and cause running on.

[KernowCooper]

weak mixture, retarded timing and a poor cooling system all need checking

[CityEPete]

If the engine is running hot due to the timing being too far retarded then the red hot engine actually ignites the fuel after you have turned off the ignition power, I had one so hot once you could drive the car without the keys!

[Minidude7]

Changed the Radiator out of suspicion as it's the only thing left, I have adjusted the timing and it no longer runs hot!!!