engine temprature rising too much

steve30b · Post by **steve30b** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 08:22

my excel 1989 has just started to get too hot after a few mile..what temprature should the rad fans come on at ? my normal temprature is around 82 deg. but this morning it was over 100deg and it would not cool down..also what temprature does the thermostat open ?
thanks steve..

chrisw2811 · Post by **chrisw2811** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 09:17

Steve, for UK spec cars the thermostat should hold the engine at a steady temperature of about 82 degrees Celsius (centigrade) on the open road. In traffic the cooling fans should cut in around 92 degrees and cut out when the temperature drops to the 82 setpoint. Does your temperature gauge read OK? i.e. below 40 with the engine cold and the ignition on? If the high reading was true, then you appear to have a problem in the cooling fan circuit. You can test whether the fans work by shorting the two spade connectors that fit to the otter switch in the top hose. If the fans run with the ignition on and the connectors are shorted together, you probably have a failed otter switch. Regards, Chris

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 16:10

mine often sits as low as 75C in stationary traffic on a summers day!
ever since the ali rad went in!

just bought a kenlowe dual fan controller which will turn one on at 90C and the 2nd on at 95C
Need it to run a bit hotter for the track days

Oz

AndyC · Post by **AndyC** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 17:37

It depends whether it's a true reading or not as to whether you have an issue, it could be the sender unit has a wiring issue or is itself failing. Assuming the temp is correct, then as said otter switch or wiring from that to fan power system is most likely, but it could include failed thermostatic valve, failing water pump (impeller separating from shaft) or rad issue (blocked internally or externally).

chrisw2811 · Post by **chrisw2811** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 19:22

Steve, have you checked the coolant level? The otter switch should be at the bottom of the union in the top hose - if displaced upwards it may not have good thermal contact. If the fans run with the connectors shorted and coolant level is OK/otter switch in right place, the fans should operate as the temperature climbs above 92C. If the fans don't operate when the connectors are shorted, you'll need to check fuses and relay. Does the fan fail warning light illuminate?

robertverhey · Post by **robertverhey** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 21:12

Hi just another thought, have the caps on the coolant tank been inadvertently swapped? From memory, it's spring loaded pressure cap on the front and flat cap on the back....or have I got that the wrong way around?

steve30b · Post by **steve30b** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:58

hi all
its found to be the relay for the fans thats fubard
is there a part number for the relay ?..
thanks steve..

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 18:31

This topic should cover it:

http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... =27&t=3169

The Lotus Grand Tourers

engine temprature rising too much

engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much

Re: engine temprature rising too much