Now that my fc is idling correctly (vacuum hose popped off - sigh), id like to see if theres anything cheap thats responsible for the trouble on the cooling side of things. The last thing I did was to replace the cap with a new one of the correct psi. Better check if thats helped first :)
Other likely candidates in my mind are the thermostat and the single belt driving the water pump, maybe viscous fan coupling too.
Just to check that im testing these right -
Viscous fan coupling - run engine up to temp, shut it off, check to see how freely the fan spins, should be a fair bit harder than when the engine is cold?
Thermostat - check that the top radiator hose doesnt get warm from the word go? quite tempted to replace this anyway as its a job ive never done before on a car and id like to learn.
Checking the engine water seals - quickest way is to check that i dont get bubbles in the coolant expansion tank with the engine running?
Lastly, where can i get hold of a dual pulley so im back to 2 belts on the water pump
ta!
Well, I had a quick play today.
No bubbles - who knows, maybe the engine really is sound against all my fears :)
Thermostat seems ok - rad hoses cold then changes quickly
As for the fan coupling not sure yet - after running it to normal operating temp the fan turns about a quarter turn with a gentle flick on the blades. will compare with stone cold.
Seeing as that was going so well I decided to see if i can fix the heater always blowing hot air. Ive removed the logicon unit (simpler to type than to do!), but cant see how you remove the main circuit board? ive got the one out from the front bit. anyone know?
I\'ll let you know tomorrow as i am changing the thermostat and doing all the cooling checks etc including a full flush. My top and bottom hoses are still too cold so either stat stuck shut or blockage elsewhere,this car has been stood for a long time. Going to use a flushing agent in mine(BARS) so hopefully any crap will be dislodged and eventually flushed out.
well rain stopped play !!! and the odd thunder storm !!!
No worries :) working on the logicon unit in the meantime... soldering is not a strong point for me!