9 replies to this topic

[Roadtoad]

Hi i've just purchased my new 1380. It has a stage 3 head kent 286, weber, lcb, maniflow, fuel pump, 1.5 hi lift rockers, oil cooler, with thermostat. The heater has been removed.

Anyways, driving on the motorway for the first time the water temp stayed at about 70 - 73 ish then when I hit town driving it went straight up to around 80 - 90. Is this ok?

Also I think it may have just carried on climbing a bit if I had to sit in traffic for a bit but luckily it was fairly moving. Another thing is that the car is fairly hesitant before the cam cuts in - which is about 3 thousand revs. Is this normal? and is it ok to drive around at say 1500 - 2500 revs when there is no cam or will damage the engine or cause it to overheat etc?

What is an exceptable engine temp and at what temp should I start to worry?

Many thanks in advance.

[Don't Panic]

Do you know what thermstat is fitted? my guess would be a 88C, if so I'd only be concerned if it goes over 90, as this would suggest the thermostat is fully open but the cooling system can't handle it.

As for the cam kicking in at 3000rpm, I've little experience of cams but i believe the 286 is fairly racey so that sounds about right.

Someone else might give you a fuller explaination, but it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong. Also do a search for Kent 286, you will find quite a few threads on cams.

[Roadtoad]

Many thanks, will look into it. Engine temp goes down when properly on the move but will rise again when sitting in traffic. Hopefully won't have to sit in traffic for too long!

[Teapot]

My pickup has an MG Metro 1380 with a two-core rad and 74deg thermostat. I've been told that the Metro engine tends to overheat and so a 2-core rad is a good idea. In summer it's great because I never have to worry about overheating no matter how much stop-start driving I do, but in winter it runs too cool so I'll have to address that one soon.

[Ethel]

My pickup has an MG Metro 1380 with a two-core rad and 74deg thermostat. I've been told that the Metro engine tends to overheat and so a 2-core rad is a good idea. In summer it's great because I never have to worry about overheating no matter how much stop-start driving I do, but in winter it runs too cool so I'll have to address that one soon.

You shouldn't have any problems, the thermostat will control the engine temperature regardless of how effective the cooling system is.

[Teapot]

You shouldn't have any problems, the thermostat will control the engine temperature regardless of how effective the cooling system is+

Cheers for that

[syholl]

It sounds like you need a better radiator. although 90 degrees isn't too bad, i would be worried if i hit a traffic jam. It's bound top happen sooner or later.

In my last Mini i had a 1410cc engine that caused me a few cooling problems. I tried a 4 core radiator, which didn't work, so i fitted a Minispares super cool 2 core, and it was fine after that.

The thermostat controls the temperature to a certain extent, but most cars have a bypass hose, so coolant can still flow round the engine. If you don't have a bypass hose, (Metro engines didn't) then you should have some holes drilled into the thermostat to allow water to flow when the thermostat is closed. This can mean that the car doesn't get up to temperature in the winter.

There is a lot of debate about what is the correct number of holes to drill in a thermostat, i found that 3 x 3mm holes is perfect for our MG Metro engine in the estate....

[Roadtoad]

Pretty sure it has a 4 core rad, might consider fitting a 2 core then. Driving it today was different again tho. Got stuck in a fair amount of traffic on the way to work this morning for about 20 - 30 minutes or so and the engine didn't get any hotter than about 65 70? Weird. But may be due to the cooler weather?

Also the idle was slightly down than normal. Today was idling at about 800-950 whereas before it was on about 1000-1100. Again just put this down to the change in weather.

[Teapot]

Well, you say you haven't had a mini for a while and you've only just started driving your 1380 which is by no means a docile lump. I think you're going to have to allow some settling-in time for the two of you and my experience is that you never make the same journey twice. I treat my mini as if it has moods like a person. It may not be logical but it sure explains a lot of the way it behaves

[oggy1380]

ive got a 286 cam in my 1380,doesnt come on 2the cam until 3500rpm,which is what its suppose to do,its a rally cam,296 is the race,i drive mine around at 3000rpm,and the webber burbles and pops and makes sum stranges noises,but it does no harm.ive fitted a minispares super cool 2-core,normal temp is 90 for a road car,but to get most power there suppose 2 run at 75-80c.

Edited by oggy1380, 11 October 2007 - 07:05 PM.