Running Hot

I have an 87 SWB 90 with a rover sd1 3.5 V8 engine in it. The engine has had a recent full service, and is only supposed to have done 20,000. (I haven't had it on the road long since purchase due to me restoring the bodywork) 2 garages have done work on my vehicle, and both said how well the engine runs, so I'm assuming the mileage is right.

But I have noticed although it doesn't go onto the red section on the dial, it does go on the highest point on the white bit, and thats without towing a caravan which I plan to do. I do have a cheap version of a kenlowe fan installed blowing in air from the outside of the rad, and a viscous fan blowing air from the inside too, but seems to make little differance to the temp.

I have noticed a slight weep in the rad, which I will replace. could this be the problem? i.e. if there is lots of sludge in the old rad, will it make the engine run hot? Any other ideas as too why it could be running a bit hot? or is it normal for the temp to be that high on the dial? I'm just worried that it will overheat when towing with a payload.

Apart from that it starts first time on the button, and seems to run well. Oh, I also have twin K&N filters on the SU carbs. they may of been there since 97, so will they need replacing? Any help will be much appriciated.

If your going just by your gauge then I would check with a thermometer to eliminate false readings

Make sure all pipes (not exhaust !!!) are the same temp, I would agree with changing the rad as if it has started to weep them maybe its filled with radweld etc

For a few hours work disconect the rad and do a full engine coolant flush and top up with decent antifreeze solution

My v8 ran about 80 degrees C but I have a manual switch to keep it under control, during the few hot days we had it just wouldn't cool down so I changed the coolant and put antifreeze in it and it cools much quicker now.... Went off roading last week, temp outside was about 15C, rad temp didn't go above 70c

Thanks jailon. I'll deff change the rad then and see if that improves things. Might help me to get a few more MPG too. Well I can hope :lol: I can't understand why people use that rad weld stuff, it cloggs up everything. For the sake of £173,00 delivered, I can get a new rad, and not have to worry anymore.