Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Aero 8 Supersports - water temperature

I took the car out today for a run as it hadn't been started for a couple of weeks. The water temperature was between 99 and 102 degrees when it normally is around 92 to 95 degrees. The temp never went above 102 - but I cannot understand why this higher level. No works been carried out - any thoughts?
Thanks
T

Is the water level OK?

Other than that might be a slightly sticky thermostat or, worst case, impending water pump problem.

One other thought, there isn't something covering the radiator is there? Polythene bag sucked in between cowling and radiator?

Hi Bob,
Checked the front to make sure no pheasants blocking it!
If the thermostat was sticking then wouldnt it "hunt" a lot more?
No water loss either.
Thanks for the response
T

If you are out during summer you normally have the A/C on which forces the main cooling fans on. This makes the engine cooling more efficient. In winter you leave it off and so the airflow is the main element and it runs hotter until the thermostat kicks in. As long as the thermostat is kicking in consistently I would not panic.

Our Series 2 always runs lower than the Coupe which usually runs 98-106. Check the levels or get it fettled to make certain.

Any help ?

Just a thought, turn off the little red isolator switch for an hour or so. It may reset everything to ‘normal’. The Aero are very susceptible to damp air and the nights are getting colder so worth a try (?)

Hi Taffmog,
Is that the isolator located under the bonnet drivers side near to the fuse box?
Cheers
T

No way do car instruments accurately read to a degree or three so the question is "why has the reading changed?"

Its unlikely that the engine is producing more heat assuming its running OK, so the issue is why is the cooling system less effective. Could be any number of things but best start with the simple like:
is the radiator clear or have you ingested a plastic bag
is the fan running? what is the cut in set for and should it have triggered?
has the water system leaked and the level is now low?
thermostat failed part closed?
rubber hose part collapsed?
fan belt slipping?

there really is no alternative but to potter round checking bits in order of simplest first.

Taffy. The header tanks on the AEro do get brittle over time due to the huge heat in the engine bay. I had the same issue a couple of years ago it ended up there was a slight weep in the tank. Very hard to see as its tucked right up the front, might be worth whipping the cowl off to take a look i would never have found it otherwise.


Em

The Plus 8, a Supersport with a trad body, does exactly the same. It seems to relate to the ambient air temperature. In the summer it runs at the mid to high 90s, but once the cooler weather arrives it is at 100 to 105.

I suspect the cause is a combination of factors, including as Alaistair said, use of the A/C, but as the pattern is predictable I've never bothered to find out more. If I feel it is a bit high I turn the A/C on and it quickly drops back to 98-100.

The header tank is at the back, just in front of the heater box, where it is on most if not all trads and even a slight weep would be obvious.

Perfectly normal behaviour

If the roof is on in cold weather you tend to need the front screen on, air-con on and heater cranked up to keep things clear.