Discussion
I'm off to Italy in my 1992 4.3 Griff in a couple of weeks - and after todays scorcher - was wondering about the temp gauge: mine has a line marked just above the figure 90, today in traffic the needle was just nudging the marked line. I've checked what info I have but can't see what the line is supposed to indicate. Is this ok or will I and the engine be toast in sunny Italy? Any thoughts appreciated.
From my experience with two Griffs, the temp will always rise in traffic until the fans cut in, usually around 90. Then they should keep it in check. If they don't, or if they they fail to cut in, that's when you'll have problems. The temp when travelling at a reasonable speed should not hit the line, IMHO, as the extra airflow keeps it down.
After a hot or long journey I pop the bonnet to let the heat out. I don't know if it achieves much - maybe helps the underbonnet silver thingy to stay on longer - it's the equivalent of giving a horse a drink of water I guess!
After a hot or long journey I pop the bonnet to let the heat out. I don't know if it achieves much - maybe helps the underbonnet silver thingy to stay on longer - it's the equivalent of giving a horse a drink of water I guess!
From my experience with two Griffs, the temp will always rise in traffic until the fans cut in, usually around 90. Then they should keep it in check. If they don't, or if they they fail to cut in, that's when you'll have problems. The temp when travelling at a reasonable speed should not hit the line, IMHO, as the extra airflow keeps it down.
After a hot or long journey I pop the bonnet to let the heat out. I don't know if it achieves much - maybe helps the underbonnet silver thingy to stay on longer - it's the equivalent of giving a horse a drink of water I guess!
After a hot or long journey I pop the bonnet to let the heat out. I don't know if it achieves much - maybe helps the underbonnet silver thingy to stay on longer - it's the equivalent of giving a horse a drink of water I guess!
I have fitted a Leven cooling kit (74deg thermostat, water wetter + lower temp otter switch) an that has helped my 500 keep its cool.. especially in traffic. It was always a bit marginal on the hotter days (sometimes reaching 100), but now its just fine and dandy. Well worth the 30 or so quid for a bit of extra headroom...
Yes, my fans do cut in, quite a bit before the 'line' and they stay on for quite a lot of the time (even in slow moving traffic at about 20 - 30mph).
I've put water wetter in and a new otter switch / thermostat. And if hot I also lift the bonnet when I put the car away in the garage - I've already restuck the silver foil more times than I care to mention!
From your replies (thanks folks) I assume that my temperature is reasonably normal
I've put water wetter in and a new otter switch / thermostat. And if hot I also lift the bonnet when I put the car away in the garage - I've already restuck the silver foil more times than I care to mention!
From your replies (thanks folks) I assume that my temperature is reasonably normal
'Yes, my fans do cut in, quite a bit before the 'line' and they stay on for quite a lot of the time (even in slow moving traffic at about 20 - 30mph).'
I take it you have two fans then, not one. But something doesn't seem right. Not sure why they're not having enough effect. Core blocked with sludge perhaps? Are the fans the shrouded type? If not perhaps replacing them with the later shrouded ones might help - ensures the air goes through the rad not round it.
I take it you have two fans then, not one. But something doesn't seem right. Not sure why they're not having enough effect. Core blocked with sludge perhaps? Are the fans the shrouded type? If not perhaps replacing them with the later shrouded ones might help - ensures the air goes through the rad not round it.
Yes I have two fans, but I will admit that the fans, once on seem to stay on a long time / rarely go off, although the car never seems to actually reach the 'red'. I did put rad flush in a few weeks ago, before the water wetter to try and eliminate any sludge etc - zero differnce as far as I could see.
I'll try disconnecting one fan tomorrow and see what comes of it.
Thanks for the feedback - the plot thickens!
I'll try disconnecting one fan tomorrow and see what comes of it.
Thanks for the feedback - the plot thickens!
simpo one said:
From my experience with two Griffs, the temp will always rise in traffic until the fans cut in, usually around 90. Then they should keep it in check. If they don't, or if they they fail to cut in, that's when you'll have problems. The temp when travelling at a reasonable speed should not hit the line, IMHO, as the extra airflow keeps it down.
After a hot or long journey I pop the bonnet to let the heat out. I don't know if it achieves much - maybe helps the underbonnet silver thingy to stay on longer - it's the equivalent of giving a horse a drink of water I guess!
Thank goodness it is not only me!
After a hot run, I leave the Griff out of the garage engine running until the fans switch off. Then drive into garage, turn off the engine, open bonnet and plug in float charger.
I am convinced that letting the engine cool with the bonnet open reduces heat soak to the peripherals like starter motor and increases their lives...I have no science to support this though!
I’m off to Italy in the Griff in a few weeks as well, was thinking of fitting the Leven kit with lower temp thermostat and otter switch, I was also recommended to get a smaller plate made up as that’ll help.
My otter switch is in the top of the thermostat housing, I’m told that not the normal place though so was wondering if the kit would work on my car.
My otter switch is in the top of the thermostat housing, I’m told that not the normal place though so was wondering if the kit would work on my car.
Tried unplugging one fan, the other kept running at the same speed: no change.
So I'm thinking now I'll take the thermostat out and run the car without that to see if that makes a difference: if not next step might be the radiator, which I've read before can be uprated (?) or maybe I should take a look at the water pump before this?
At least the trials and tribulations are in the sun, better than when it's raining!
Now where'd I put that spanner _ _ _ _ _ _
So I'm thinking now I'll take the thermostat out and run the car without that to see if that makes a difference: if not next step might be the radiator, which I've read before can be uprated (?) or maybe I should take a look at the water pump before this?
At least the trials and tribulations are in the sun, better than when it's raining!
Now where'd I put that spanner _ _ _ _ _ _
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