Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 4/4 1948 Overheating after some work done......

Thanks Richard, the same to you!

Thanks, I hope one day it will help someone.

Thermosyphon cooling doesn't work too well in Florida. I have had two 4/4s Climax and Standard engined (still have it). I also have a Matchless Trike.

I believe the temp of the air and that of rad is too similar to get good movement and hence the lack of cooling. Only when everything is perfect, will it work, and that situation is fleeting. Live with it or install an inline water pump (and most likely, an alternator.)

Cheers,

Thanks Mark for your comment, definitely something to think about it, otherwise temperature will be an issue in the hot and humid days of Miami.

Best,
Gonzalo

PM: I love the Matchless too. I had a Triumph 500 cc and a Harley Davidson flathead 74 ci for many years, both totally original and in great shape, but I sold them long time ago. Now I also have a Singer SM roadster 1953 that is 100% complete, but it needs some work, I bought it a couple of years ago and it is the plan for 2018.

Come north for a visit. I am vic Orlando. Sanford. We do get south sometimes, usually vic West Palm or Boca Raton.

Cheers,

I have a friend with a Singer that is in pieces . Do you still have yours and would consider offering help if needed like photos ? Thanks , Marlene

The engine should be running at about 90C which is to say maybe 200 in F. I've been to Florida - its warm but not that warm.

All a thermosyphon needs is that the top of the radiator is higher than the top of the engine block in which case the hot water at 90C will flow from engine into radiator and colder water at the rad bottom will flow the other way. Basic physics.

Sure a pump will help, Leaving aside issues about engine performance and air petrol mixture, the cooling issue is whether the flow through the rad is sufficient for the dissipation of the engine heat in Florida weather. An old clogged radiator or air locks or kinked water pipes etc could limit the flow

The key to a thermosiphon system lies in the word siphon. Unlike a pump system the coolant must be maintained at a level above the upper hose and be free of trapped air. If these conditions are not met circulation will not take place.

regards,
Phil

And a good flow of cooling air through the Radiator, as the thermo syphonic effect needs a temp difference to 'loose' heat as liquid falls down through the radiator tubes, this is why many old cars boil in standing traffic

Sometimes the easiest solution is to add a radiator fan, which you can simply switch on when you feel the need