3.5l v8 in a Series III - running hot

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kenixster

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Hi all, so I have very recently bought a Series III with a 3.5 rover v8 installed, it is a bit rough and ready and will ultimately be a project over the next year or so (once I’ve enjoyed this summer with the top off!). Anyway, I’m starting to plan for the rebuild and wanted suggestions as to the best and most detailed workshop manuals for the engine, it currently always appears to be running very hot so want to start rectifying these problems ASAP! Best regards
 
What makes you think it's running hot, what's the actual temp?
Is the viscous fan working? Have you checked the radiator for blockages internally and externally?
 
What makes you think it's running hot, what's the actual temp?
Is the viscous fan working? Have you checked the radiator for blockages internally and externally?
Agreed, check the ACTUAL temperature of the engine first NOT what the temp gauge is telling you. My first thought is, has it got the correct temp sender to match the temp gauge? Is the voltage stabilizer (for the gauge) working?
You could buy a IR temp gauge like this:

Non contact Digital Infrared Thermometer Laser IR Temperature Gun UK Yellow | eBay

you can then check engine temp, coolant temp before and after its been through the radiator
 
+1 to @wireman , plus if a little rough & ready can really recommend dropping all hoses, reverse flushing the engine, matrix and radiator til totally clean. Reconnect hoses and slowly refill with coolant. Run up to temp and then take actual engine temps with an IR reader. + check the right temp thermostat is fitted.
 
What makes you think it's running hot, what's the actual temp?
Is the viscous fan working? Have you checked the radiator for blockages internally and externally?
Viscous fan has been deleted due to packaging issue by whoever retrofit the engine! Bit of troubleshooting this a.m. has discovered that the electric fan has packed up! Ordered a new bigger one.
 
+1 to @wireman , plus if a little rough & ready can really recommend dropping all hoses, reverse flushing the engine, matrix and radiator til totally clean. Reconnect hoses and slowly refill with coolant. Run up to temp and then take actual engine temps with an IR reader. + check the right temp thermostat is fitted.
Ye that’s a great idea! Rad is out this morning to replace the aftermarket electric fan that was not working! Have an IR reader for checking horses legs for injuries so will definitely do this thanks
 
Agreed, check the ACTUAL temperature of the engine first NOT what the temp gauge is telling you. My first thought is, has it got the correct temp sender to match the temp gauge? Is the voltage stabilizer (for the gauge) working?
You could buy a IR temp gauge like this:

Non contact Digital Infrared Thermometer Laser IR Temperature Gun UK Yellow | eBay

you can then check engine temp, coolant temp before and after its been through the radiator
Great idea re the IR gun, we have one on the yard for checking horses leg injuries! First issue found that the fan is not working…. Better replacement now ordered re your point regarding temp sender and volt stabiliser for gauge, I need to educate myself on what they are and then workout if they’re correct! Thanks!
 
Viscous fan has been deleted due to packaging issue by whoever retrofit the engine! Bit of troubleshooting this a.m. has discovered that the electric fan has packed up! Ordered a new bigger one.

Have you ordered a blower or a sucker? Ideally should be a sucker [if room on rear of radiator], can really recommend Revotec fans, use in all my cars...they never fail and each component is available individually https://www.revotec.com/acatalog/Land-Rover-Tailormade-Cooling-Kits.html
 
Have you ordered a blower or a sucker? Ideally should be a sucker [if room on rear of radiator], can really recommend Revotec fans, use in all my cars...they never fail and each component is available individually https://www.revotec.com/acatalog/Land-Rover-Tailormade-Cooling-Kits.html
Thanks for the advice! At the moment I can only fit in a pusher, when I rebuild I’m hoping to be able to find a way to squeeze a twin sucker in, but will need to find a solution to creating space between the rad and the old VF pulley
 

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What makes you think it's running hot, what's the actual temp?
Is the viscous fan working? Have you checked the radiator for blockages internally and externally?
It was boiling its water, radiator currently off and will be checking for blockages tonight! Any tips would be welcome!
 
With the electric fan option - i recently fitted one on my 200TDI, got the fan off ebay (£17) added a relay and mounted it with some home made brackets to the rear of the rad job done. All up for £21.

Rich
 
Make sure if you have the fan infront of the rad the air is going through ok.
2 small fans (top & bottom) on the rad sucking would be good. This would also move the air round the engine bay
 
It was boiling its water, radiator currently off and will be checking for blockages tonight! Any tips would be welcome!

Flush and reverse flush until crystal clear water flows, no crud/sediment. Then fill with a large bottle of malt vinegar and water...no need for fancy cleaners...cap off hose ends and leave to work overnight. Trow, give the rad a really good shake in all directions. Empty vinegar/water and re-flush. Job done:cool:
 
Thanks for the advice! At the moment I can only fit in a pusher, when I rebuild I’m hoping to be able to find a way to squeeze a twin sucker in, but will need to find a solution to creating space between the rad and the old VF pulley

When tight to fit a sucker fan for a v8, 1. either buy a short nose Rover P5 water pump, or 2. cut back the fan shaft end and dress finish. This gives max' room. And/or talk to Revotec and they can make up a fan set if the std v8 kit is still too tight. They have all the dwg's on their website for pre-measurement.

I have 3mm gap on my MGB V8 [TVR 4.0ltr engine] and there's no clash between twin suckers and engine, but it's bloody tight;)
 
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