Running cold

[Nick C]

Drove the dolly home (in freezing fog) today, a journey of just under 60 miles, and she didn't manage to warm up properly at all. She normally runs on 1/2 way up the temp gauge, but was hovering around the quarter, and didn't get over 1/3. Admittedly it was bl**dy freezing outside, but I'd still expect the engine to warm up eventually? She was also idling very low, still had white smoke/condensation coming out of the exhaust and was struggling to pull from low revs. Anyone know what's up? Coolant and oil levels looked fine.

Cheers,

Nick

[george]

you do have a thermostat ? but the ambient air temp is your main problem

[DavePoth]

Turning the heater off in typical classic car fashion will help a bit, but take a look at the thermostat and make sure it's opening at the right temp. If that doesn't work, cover over part of the radiator with cereal box cardboard which should help.

[Leeds Sprint]

My 1850 has some of the same problems that you described Nick.

Earlier this year TDC members will know that I was having all sorts of overheating problems, so it seems a bit ironic that the same car is struggling to come up to temp this winter.

I have plenty of new coolant in the system, a new sending unit for temp guage and I have even fitted a "winter" thermostat (something that I have not used since winters in New England, USA).

Regardless though, my temp guage doesnt get past the 1/3 mark in this weather. On the plus side my car does not seem to be exhibiting the rough running that yours does Nick. An adjustment to the choke seems to sort things out for me under cold start conditions.

Good luck

Chris

[KWM338R]

I've been using a cerial box in front of the Rad for about 3 weeks now, some New England mornings can be a little chilly as Chris mentioned!

Cheers
Mark

[slant4]

The vehicle should get more than 1/3 warm. All my dollys have always warmed the heater really thick. Sounds like a stat problem. Also worth flushing the system inc the heater matrix and check the heater valve is clear (that can cause problems with heating up strangely! not sure how but did on one of my 1300's) Card is last ditch really, but have done it on constant drive fans before. AS a matter of interest, early post war and pre war riley's, the fan had its own belt and could be disconnected!