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Re: [alfa] Underheating GTV



Hi Bruce:

I'm still confused about your GTV, as I don't recall which parts have been replaced and which haven't. But assuming the thermostat is operating correctly, do you feel any pressure in the coolant hoses after driving the car for a while. If the cap is sealing properly, the top radiator hose should feel really firm. FWIW, the coolant level in my '74 Spider's overflow tank rises about an inch as the car warms up, just like yours, before the cap seals and pressurizes the system. It can take a while if it's not a hot day, though, and won't pressurize at all if I just start the engine and let it idle.

How was the Italy trip?

Regards,

Dean


At 03:56 PM 8/9/2004, you wrote:

Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2004 09:19:23 -0400
From: "Bruce Giller" <bgiller@domain.elided>
Subject: [alfa] Underheating GTV

My GTV is now up and running after replacing a bad #1 piston and liner.  But
I can't get the coolant temp. to stay steady at around 175-180 F.  By
watching the gauge, you can see the temp. drop when the thermostat opens up
at 180.  If the car sits at idle, the temp will hold steady at 180 F but
then drop down when driving.

        I have noticed that the level in the radiator overfill tank will
rise by about an 1" or so even though the coolant temps are not that high.
My latest theory is that the radiator cap isn't up to snuff and allowing
coolant to go out of the radiator when the car's temp rises up to around 175
F or so.  Since the coolant pressure is low, the coolant can't heat up to
the proper temp.  But on the other side, if more coolant is going out of the
system, the temp should rise way above normal.

        Any ideas on this corundum??

        Bruce

        '73 GTV
        '86 Spider
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