Running Hot

[rockstar1958]

I just had a new aluminum radiator system installed to the tune of $2700.00. A bit frustraited because I'm still having problems with my Esprit running hot in town. Called the mechanic who did the work and suggested I replace the thermostat, ( duh! ) wished he'd done that! He's 6hrs away from where I live. So anyone know what thermostat part # make and or model Lotus used for their 2000, Lotus Esprit

[fmxa]

How hot are we talking, and does the temp drop when you're out of town with no traffic?

[rockstar1958]

On the freeway it runs @ about 80-90. In town Stopping and starting in moderate traffic it jumps to 110-120 it climbs considerably faster when the a/c is on. Then it pops back down to 90-100 and then cycles back up. It was odd especially when I first got it back. When I turned the a/c on it wouldn't work and the temp guage would climb to 110-120 in traffic or freeway than the temp would drop quickly and the a/c would start working.

I just had a new aluminum radiator system installed to the tune of $2700.00. A bit frustraited because I'm still having problems with my Esprit running hot in town. Called the mechanic who did the work and suggested I replace the thermostat, ( duh! ) wished he'd done that! He's 6hrs away from where I live. So anyone know what thermostat part # make and or model Lotus used for their 2000, Lotus Esprit

[fmxa]

How was the temp before you had the new radiator put in, and do the cooling fans (all three) turn on when the coolant temp goes up?

[mamovaka]

On the freeway it runs @ about 80-90. In town Stopping and starting in moderate traffic it jumps to 110-120 it climbs considerably faster when the a/c is on. Then it pops back down to 90-100 and then cycles back up. It was odd especially when I first got it back. When I turned the a/c on it wouldn't work and the temp guage would climb to 110-120 in traffic or freeway than the temp would drop quickly and the a/c would start working.

This doesn't seem too bad does it? my car is usually at 80 on the highway on a hot day 90ish in traffic.. it goes up past 100-110 then the radiator kicks in and it drops to 90-80 in traffic right? isn't this normal for the esprit in 85+ degree weather and in traffic?

[rockstar1958]

Yes they all go on. Temp was doing the same but runs cooler on the freeway than it did before the new radiator install.

How was the temp before you had the new radiator put in, and do the cooling fans (all three) turn on when the coolant temp goes up?

[rockstar1958]

Let me rephrase that. It runs cooler now after the install.( Sorry about the confusion.)

Yes they all go on. Temp was doing the same but runs cooler on the freeway than it did before the new radiator install.

[fmxa]

Call JAE in Santa Barbara for a thermostat 805 967 5767 they should have one in stock.

[rockstar1958]

OK, I think I figured out the problem. See if you agree. I just today had the a/c unit replaced by a local mechanic. I mentioned the running hot issue and he said he thought he felt forced air coming out of the front of the radiator. Shouldn't the fans when they turn on be drawing the air through the radiator towards the back of the car?

Call JAE in Santa Barbara for a thermostat 805 967 5767 they should have one in stock.

[Artie]

OK, I think I figured out the problem. See if you agree. I just today had the a/c unit replaced by a local mechanic. I mentioned the running hot issue and he said he thought he felt forced air coming out of the front of the radiator. Shouldn't the fans when they turn on be drawing the air through the radiator towards the back of the car?

The fans are "puller" fans, they should pull cool air thru the radiator from the front of the car and expel it out the back. You could also still have some air pockets in the engine. Also, try adding some water wetter or if possible you can add "cools like ice water" these are additives suitable for any metal system and help release the surface tension of the water thus allowing it to release more heat in the metal heat exchanger/radiator.... Have used both, but "cools like ice water" works best for me in my RX7(twin turbo ported rotary engine) on the track. Also, make sure the fans are coming on at the specified water temperature.

Artie

[mamovaka]

Just clear this is for me guys,

what are the operating temps of the V8?

I always thought that between 80-110 was ok.. usually in stop and go traffic I spend time at 90 with 80 when moving steady..

temp goes up over 100 then fans kick in, drop temp down again etc.

this accurate right?

[joeyoesprit]

Just clear this is for me guys,

what are the operating temps of the V8?

I always thought that between 80-110 was ok.. usually in stop and go traffic I spend time at 90 with 80 when moving steady..

temp goes up over 100 then fans kick in, drop temp down again etc.

this accurate right?

That is how my runs. It never goes above 110 in stopped traffic (fans kick on and it comes down). On the highway it runs 80 to 90.

JoeyO

2001 V8

[oneshot]

Yep

Just done a run of 1300 miles and the temp is normally around 90 when running freely and climbs to 100/110 when in traffic but drops once running again.

[ibandre]

I have the exactly same problem with my car, but mine lets water out of the expansion tank aswell when the temp gets up to about 100. So I am always loosing water when the car gets hot. WHY???? Does this happen to your cars too???

[superdavelotus]

Ib,

Your pressure cap may need replacing or you may have the wrong cap on. On the V8's they had a higher pressure cap to raise the boiling point before boiling over. Sound like the seal may have broken down or you have the wrong rated cap.

I would look at these first before anything else.

[ibandre]

The cap on my expansion tank is actually not a pressure cap. It`s just a regular cap. I have the hose going out of the expansion tank, and down by the left rear tire that lets out the water. Is it not supposed to be like that?? Should there actually be a pressure cap on the expansion tank as well?? Can the solution to all my worries be this simpel? I have been loosing water all the time when I drive the car fast, and there are absolutely no leaks anywhere else. Not in the front from the radiator, and there is no liner problem.

[superdavelotus]

The cap on the expansion tan should be just a simple cap, this is right. It's the header tank cap you need to be looking at. Check this to make sure it's the correct rating. Then maybe to see if it needs replacing.

I'll look into the cooling system and see why your system dicharges water from your expansion tank, it could be thermostats or your recirculating system not working properly. Until I get the facts, don't worry about it too much!

[ibandre]

Thank for the info. I have changed the header tank cap, so it has to be something else. Pete at Pnm engineering has sent me the new 3 core radiator, and says this will solve my problems. If you can find something else, I appreciate it alot superdavelotus:-)