Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Mulfab radiator? (4/4 focus zetec)

I'm considering replacing the standard rad in my (low mileage) 2005 4/4 focus zetec (i.e. 1.8 blacktop engine). On recent hot days, driving at "comfort" speeds - not thrashing - over the moors, the fan has been running almost constantly when the engine is under load, usually stopping only when running downhill off the throttle, or idling. Temp gauge is showing 100-105 deg. I'm pretty sure the fan is operating normally as when starting from cold and leaving the engine to idle, it comes on after a few minutes and cycles normally - it is when driving that the constant fan running becomes evident.

With this "performance" I would be loathe to take the car somewhere really hot or to the Alps etc. The only modification to the car is a Librands 4-2-1 s/s manifold and sports exhaust system which did increase power (about +15 bhp on dyno), everything else is standard. There are no badges or other obstructions to the grille. The car has been regularly serviced and the cooling system checked, no leaks, two hoses recently replaced (preventatively - chafing) etc.

The Mulfab radiators are described as about 15% greater surface area, which doesn't sound an awful lot. There is a heavy duty racing version, presumably bigger again? Having the correct mounting points and hose positions would be important.

http://www.mulfab.co.uk/our-products/20/aluminium-radiators-cooling-systems/aluminium-44-radiators

Does anyone have any experience of these radiators, or any alternative suggestions? I will contact Peter at Mulfab for his advice too.

Thanks Nigel

I'd make sure that the temperature gauge reading accurately reflects the temperature of the cooling system first.

http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq_answer.aspx?sid=1&qid=57

The gauge is not fed directly by a sensor, unlike older cars, it is driven by the ECU. I have no reason to suspect the gauge is faulty, indeed a new gauge was fitted 2 years ago due to complete failure (no reading). I suppose the sensor could be at fault, or the ECU. But the fan behaves normally on startup.

The other item I would check would be the thermostat, If this does not open on a regular basis, it can stick, and you do not get a good coolant flow. When you stop the vehicle, is your coolant actually hot and does it overflow from the pressure relief hose?

nputtick,
One of the Paddymogs replaced the rad in his 4/4 1.8 Zetec with a Mulfab radiator. He is very happy with it - we constantly hear how good it is!!!!!!!!

I have the Zetec silver top, and yes the gauge can be faulty. When I had my radiator repaired by New Elms the gauge was found to read 10 deg. > then norm. I just subtract the 10 deg.

Dave 2001 4/4 4 seater Avus Blue.

Simple though it may sound what about a good flush out stick the hose in the rad and let it run for a while . I did read about a coolant you pour in , but can't remember the name Wet?!!!. Then give it a good run and try a thermometer in the top of the rad, but it could be as you say the sensor.

Lots of possibilities.
I'd go with the rad flush, checking the exterior for blockages. Water Wetter is the product JT can't remember.
If all the other suggestions fail, then Mulberry's radiators have a good reputation for better cooling.

Cheers,

You can't just stick a hose in this rad, it has no cap! The cap is at the expansion tank, and anyway the car has just been serviced and checked throughout at Beamish Morgan.

I wasn't assuming any real accuracy from the gauge, though as its pressurised its allowed to read over 100 - I was just going by the behaviour of the fan.

Yes the coolant is circulating, I proved that when replacing one of the long hoses, and the heater works really well so it must be flowing fine. Does anyone know where the thermostat is located on this setup? However I believe it is working as the behaviour going from starting cold to warmed up is normal.

This behaviour on a hot day isn't new, just more noticeable recently due to the weather.

Out of interest, what is the procedure for replacing the rad? Access looks really tricky - is it from underneath, or do you take the cowl off?

I'm told that it will drop out from below, but I'll only believe it when I see it myself!
Do you have a two speed fan? The S1 Roadster has two relays and two speeds.
Mulfab are excellent so give them a ring and explain what you want. I think Techniques also do alloy radiators.