My new SE5a

[Furyblade_Lee]

Having great fun in my new SE5a. Been giving it a service and fluids, running really nice now. BUT is runs a little hot ie: just below the red on the gauge. Currently flushing the rad to see if it improves, but where should it sit, i take it on about 90?? Is there an recommended upgraded rad or something? Quite sure there is no air in there, although i am modifying a few pipes to put manual bleeds in there. To be fair it was hot and muggy today, but i think it is running a bit too hot!

Edited by Furyblade_Lee on Thursday 16th July 22:55

[Gaz_gte]

The standard system on the se5a should work fine with out upgrading anything. The most common problem is a "sludged" up sytem reducing its effectivness. The temp should be around 90 and my fan comes on around 95. First thing i would do is check the gauge. Does your fuel gauge read correctly? the earth to the stabiliser can cause mis reads on both gauges. You don't say if the water is blown out of the system at all. if the gauges are ok check for leaks any air getting into the system will raise its operating temperature. Back flush the system paying particular attention to the heater matrix.
I would try these before changing any thing. Putting a bigger rad on may reduce the running temp but it is just hiding the real problem which will remerge at a latter date.

Geraint

[CNHSS1]

std rad fans are generally poor, make a noise and stir the air, but thats about it. Most guys fit an aftermarket fan or summat bigger and more efficient off a modern car

[Furyblade_Lee]

Thanks, I am going to change the rad fan definately. Also I have noticed my heater does not go hot, the heater lever on the right seems to be bent a bit so it hits the top of the panel, son not opening the valve ( i assume thats how it works??? Either that or the matrix is seriously bunged up....

By the way I am enjoying driving it, it drives a hell of a lot better than I thought it would, tracks straight and smooth, I could imagine covering some long distances in it. Very nice and already I have warmed to the Auto box, it seems to suit it, so forgotten about manual boxes or engine transplants!

[Furyblade_Lee]

Right, found the problem..... A small hole in my radiator down behind the cowling. So a new radiator it is, and will invest in a better blow-through fan like a Kenlowe or something.(the steering rack seems to be in the way of a rear mounted fan) . Where the hell do I get a new Scimitar SE5a radiator???

[Gaz_gte]

Graham Walkers scimitar dealer in Chester £155 when i bought one in the spring larger capacity than standard. Or take it to a local radiator recore specialist who will recore yours for around £100.
Geraint

[Furyblade_Lee]

Cheers, I will make a few phone calls Monday! Gutted as not I cannot drive it.

[fliph]

If it sits just under the red without clouds of steam, then i'd check that a) it has the correct sender unit in (a Ford one will read wrong) and also the voltage stabiliser is working. Turn the ignition on and wait for the fuel gauge to settle. If, when you start the engine, the level goes up, then the stabiliser is not working.

Second confirmation check - when up to temp, turn the engine off, then just turn the ignition back on. If the temperature drops within 30 seconds, the stabiliser is duff...

[Furyblade_Lee]

Thanks, will try that when new radiator fitted.

[Furyblade_Lee]

Cheers guys, just ordered a brand new rad and otter switch, £200 inc next day delivery which i think is pretty reasonable from Walkers. Nice to know there is somewhere you can get bits off the shelf for these old cars!

[Furyblade_Lee]

cooling issues now sorted thanks. Had my first night time drive last night, and discovered what one of the mystery switches were near the heater, the dash dimmer switch! All dials seem to have working bulbs, but not too bright to be honest and difficult to read. Is this just normal of is something amiss? And where is the Hazzard warning light switch???

[Yuxi]

Hi,

My SE5a is booked in for its MOT friday, not sure it will pass, it has been off the road for years. I have had it since March. My dials are dull at night, even on the brighest setting, I thouight it the dimmer switch so I disconnected this and joined the wires together but it didnt make any difference.

The hazard switch is to the right of the steering wheel, next to the rear screen heater switch. If the hazard switch goes wrong the indicators dont work, at all.

My Scimitar - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzZJygKsJ84