Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1988 Plus 8 running temperature + radiator swap

I have a recently aquired 1988 3.5 plus 8, that has had considerable engine enhancements by Colin Musgrove, and suspension upgrades back in the early 1990s. It's a quick car, and runs like a dream, but I am unsure if it is running hot, at a consistent 90 degrees, which rises rapidly if stuck in traffic. The fan does not seem to engage until is is an indicated 140 on the gauge. Once I get going again, the temperature soon drops.
I also have a 1981 4/4 Crossflow, with a Stage 2 conversion, balanced bottom end, lightened flywhel etc - into which I installed one of the 'cheap' Chinese aluminium radiator - and it's quality is terrific, and makes a marked difference to the running temperature
Has anyone on this forum ever put one of the Chinese rads in their Plus 8, and if so, how dids it work out?
I do use my cars, and typically cover 5000 miles per year.

I suspect that whatever type of sensor you have to control the fan might be replaced with one that brings the fan on earlier and tries to maintain temp circa 90 deg C... ?

I'd recommend actually checking the temperature with an external electronic temp gauge before trying anything else. If the car's gauge actually appears to be correct then look at changing sender.

Suggest using one of these inexpensive infrared/laser thermometers to check coolant temp. They seem to work best on metal parts so maybe rad header tank or on the sensor body so you can compare with gauge reading. Expect externally measured temp to be a few degrees lower than coolant within so make an allowance.

Yes I spent the best part of 2k chasing an overheating problem in my 3 litre Alfa Spider until a £12 infrared laser thermometer told me it was the gauge.

Many thanks - good advice - ordered an infra red thermometer and we shall see.