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MG MGF Technical - Thermostat stuck open ... temporary solution ???

Follow up to *thread: Underheating?* where Mike N. said already.

>Thermostat stuck open.....

errrm.... found the same trouble of *underheating* at my own car.

Engine ran between 60 and 90°C even after 50km on a DE Motorway (100mls/h)
11° C ambient temperature
:(

Fuel consumption was high in the last month. May be the thermostat had already gone in April when the coolant had boiled over on the Alps trip.

I know, you know, it's an a*se to get DIY to the Thermostat for changing. Combined with required coolant drain, refill, bleed etc, it's not just a five minutes job. :(

I plan to doing myself all together in late December with cam belt change, new water pump, plugs and coolant change. Reffering all to a 60k miles service. (Have done 93k km now).

The idea is to cover the radiator front with pieces of strong paper. One half of the surface or whatever. Location RH and LH of the front fan working area.
This to allow short distance rides (5km) and approach more engine temperature by decreased radiator surface.

comments ? better ideas ?
:-/

Rgds
Dieter
Dieter K.

I cover half rad on B for winter use aids warm up and helps prevent carb icing.

Paul
Paul

Paul, yes, that's what I though. (Not due to icing, though)
I think the B rad is easier availiale for a cover than the radiator at our MGF. Access from below only.

Thought on the other hand on restricting the _not required_ water flow from engine to radiator, but I'm worried about pre-damages to rad hoses when using a simple screw clamp.
??
:-/
Dieter K.

Dieter,

I would not try to change water flow.

Just prevent cold air reaching rad at speed, I just use high tec plywood between grille and rad, but the plastic ties for mounting fans could be used to attach a covering to rad.

Paul
Paul

...got a silly? hint on the German Forum....

Adding a remote thermostat to the front like Carl did and leave the other as it is.
Wouldn't wast time with the broken, indeed ;)
http://www.mgfcar.de/thermostat/Water_System_Mods.htm
Dieter K.

Not a silly idea at all Dieter! Seems like a good suggestion to me :o)
Rob Bell

LOL, desasters always are options to improve, but I can't see an advantage 4me currently.

Unless it would be possible to cut a radiator hose in a way without draining all coolant.

Has any out there ever tried to put two screw clamps to one radiator hose with distance 10". Then cut a piece of 2" between the screw clamps, fit a remote thermostat between the gap.
Do the same at the other hose and put in a T-joint. Connect a new piece of hose between the open pipe joints of the T-joint and remote thermostat.
Remove the four srew clamps and bleed air at the radiator bleed screw ?

Must be silly. ... But the more I think about it ...

Dieter K.

>Must be silly

Be careful, with every bodge comes room for disaster.

Thermostats get sticky when old, often they stick open or closed or part closed. However they do not always stay sticky in the same position, they can free up and then restick closed or part closed
Will Munns

>> Thermostats get sticky when old, often they stick open or closed or part closed. However they do not always stay sticky in the same position, they can free up and then restick closed or part closed <<

That's a very good point Will.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 05/11/2004 and 09/11/2004

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