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MG TD TF 1500 - TF water temperature

TF guys
Given that our cars and their instruments are 60+ years old, things wear, etc.
What is the concensus on a "typical and normal" running water temperature, by the guage, on a TF?
The guage has a centegrade number 85, then a line (97.5??) then number 110.
My car, when running at 60mph or so on a warm day of 80 or 85 degrees, runs at that line above 85.
Is that what you'all see?

Tom
'54 TF
T Norby

Yes, it shows that you are in good shape, running at the temperature set buy the thermostat.

My TF1500 behaves the same
Don Harmer

Yes, with steady highway running my TF-1500 holds right at 85, rising to the line which I read as 100 when pulling a long hill or stopped in traffic. On very hot days in heavy traffic it has edged a bit higher but it cools back off as soon as I get some air flowing through the radiator. I interpret this as meaning the stock fan is pretty inefficient at low rpms.
Jack Long

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but as this is a popular subject on our cars, I am wondering if anyone has reported on the benefits of using the new plastic fan? Sounds like it should be a benefit on hot days in slow traffic. We know TFs are not the greatest for air flow. Anyone? PJ
Paul S Jennings

Paul
I installed a plastic fan from a MGB 2 or 3 years ago. Did I notice a difference in cooling? Not really. I'm sure it pulls more air in with stop and go driving, but I live in a small town. Not much of that for me.
I did not notice any change in the temp reading at the guage.
Thanks to Jack and Don for their comments. Sounds like mine reads appropriately.

Tom
'54 TF
T Norby

I was having issues with my TF running around 110*c when I would climb a hill or held 50 for greater than a few minutes. I had the radiator power flushed and now barely goes above 85*C. I was amazed at the sludge that was flushed out. I now try to have it done every two to three years. I was luck to find someone who specialized in radiators on classic cars. I would not trust this to just anyone.

Todd
TRH Hammond

Paul, The image below was taken well into a 4th of July parade a few years ago. Note that the temperature needle is in the oil pressure region. I've done two parades since I installed an MGB fan and had my water pump rebuilt by Butch. Needle stays down in the 85C region now. Bud

Bud Krueger

This thread was discussed between 15/07/2015 and 17/07/2015

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