Re: How hot is cool?

[Bernie & Diana Bennett <bennetts@domain.elided>]

Doug:
Sounds like you don't need to worry; but you don't mention the radiator
cap? Pressure tested it for leaks? And maybe you need a sender and not a
gauge. If not just get a good calibration on how far off your readings
are. Right now our new to us spider's speedo reads 60 when we're
actually going 73, at 65 we're doing 80 mph. <g> California here we
come!
Best Wishes,
Bernie Bennett

"Douglas R. and Julia R. Harris" wrote:
> 
> Ill keep this short.  I need help deciding whether my car is
> overheating and, if so, what to do.
> Since I bought my 77 Spider with 29,000 miles on it, Ive flushed the
> cooling system, rodded the radiator, replaced the thermostat with a 180
> degree one, and filled it with 50/50 coolant, plus a bottle of
> WaterWetter.  The hoses are okay and not collapsed.  Recently I replaced
> the temperature gauge sending unit.
> In cool weather, the gauge usually reads about 190, sometimes
> approaching about 195.  In warmer weather, it often approaches 212 in
> stop-and-go driving.  Yesterday was particularly hot, and the gauge read
> between 212 and about 220.
> I removed the air bleed screw on the top of the intake manifold, above
> where the sending unit is, and stuck a thermometer in there.  This is on
> the engine side of the thermostat.  The readings were between 192 and
> 206.  The readings in the top of the radiator are lower  185 to about
> 195.
> My mechanic  who is no stranger to Alfas  says that everything checks
> out and I should be okay, that part of the problem is that the front of
> the 2A Spider allows little air in, and that, since I have AC, the
> condenser further restricts air flow to the radiator.  He recommends
> installation of an electric fan (in the puller mode), which well do
> when my wife says we can afford it.
> Whats going on?  Are the temperatures of between 192 and 206 in the top
> of the engine (before cooling) normal?   And, obviously my gauge reads
> high.  Anyone have a lead on a replacement used one?  IAP says used is
> the only way I can go.
> 
> Doug
> 77 Spider
> Richmond, Virginia (swelter, swelter)
> 
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