Re: First run through the Deep Dark Forest: 1974 Spider

[Godfrey DiGiorgi <ramarren@domain.elided>]

I was blasting around through the heat quite a bit this weekend too. 
Didn't experience the brake fade you report, but FrankenSpider's 
temperature rose a bit. I think the '82 engine has a 195 degree F 
thermostat in it. It normally sits just the right side of 185 on the 
gauge, which as I remember from my other two Spiders is just right. 
Creeping through traffic in the 90+ degree heat and running uphill 
briskly put it squarely half way between 185 and 215 degrees on the 
gauge. 

I don't think it's a problem, but I would prefer a 185 degree thermostat. 
I'll probably change it when I get the chance. 

Love the bit about the factory chassis stiffener.... :)

Oh yes, when I filled the tank Friday eve and checked the oil, I noted it 
was time for a quart of oil for the first time. Not too shabby: I'm 
getting 2900 miles per quart. It's just about time for an oil change 
anyway.

Godfrey

>...
>What it needs first is to have all current fluids replaced with fluids
>designed to handle higher thermal loads. :-)
>
>No, I didn't overheat, but by the end of the drive my brakes were spongy
>and faded, my oil pressure was barely touching the 57 even at cruise,
>and my water temp was consistently higher than the 180 mark on the
>gauge, even after several minutes of driving sedately at 45-50 mph down
>a cool, straight road.  ...

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