Morris Minor Owners Club

OK so I dont know if this should be in this section or the 'mechanical' section but the mechanical section scares me so I'm putting it here, hope thats ok.

Those who helped me with my petrol hose problem previously will know already that I am not mechanically minded, so forgive me.

The engine seems to be getting hot, hotter than usual, Initially I thought the heater was jammed on but I dont think thats the problem now ! The pipes for the heater that come in near the steering wheel though are certainly warm. Is that standard ? I have a dial that I always presumed showed engine temp, as it has 'temp' written on it (perhaps misleadingly ?) isnt showing any different from usual, it gradually floats up towards the N given 20 minutes trundling around, but always floats between the cold and normal. I have checked the water in the radiator and that is full up to the bottom of the spouty bit. I have checked the oil and that seems fine.

Also I dont know if its relevant but after changing the fuel line hose and removing the inline filter I mentioned on here that the old chap we bought him off suggested putting in a cup of oil with the petrol after every other fill up on unleaded. When I mentioned that on here it was suggested that that was probably unnecessary so I've stopped doing it. Now this heat problem crops up. Is that entirely unrelated do you think ?

Is there something really obvious that could be up here that I should take a look at, or is time to call the garage ?

I appreciate its probably difficult to give any advice really from the other end of the computer without seeing it, but anything you can offer really appreciated.

Having just got club membership shorted and the trip to the national planned next weekend I really hope this isnt a huge issue !

Thanks in advance !

Is there any sign of steam issuing from the radiator overflow pipe?
If the engine was overheating this would be obvious.

Boomlander wrote:Is there any sign of steam issuing from the radiator overflow pipe?
If the engine was overheating this would be obvious.

Lets pretend for a minute someone didnt know where the radiator overflow pipe was, what would you tell them ?

There certainly isnt big dramatic steam bursts coming out from anywhere, I can tell you that much.

Cheers !

Just thinking Adam, it's getting round to what masquerades for summer in these climes. Not surprising that things are warming up. If there's no steam or obvious symptoms I wouldn't worry too much. Just monitor and be aware.

If the temperature gauge is reading normal and the engine isn't showing signs of overheating and has water in the radiator, then I doubt there's a problem! The heater hoses will get hot. Sometimes, that will even happen if you turn the heat valve off (by pulling the knob with 'heater' written on it, or turning off the tap under the bonnet on an older car) as often water gets past them when they're worn out.

You should keep the heater valve OPEN all year round. Doesn't sound like anything is 'getting hot' to me? Why do you think it's hot????

Ha ! If you see someone walking around the national rally wearing a duffel coat and duvet and wondering why they're sweating it'll be me.

It is definitely all warming up quicker than usual, those heater pipes by the steering wheel have never got that hot before, after twenty minutes driving you couldnt hold them (not that i regularly do) they are too hot. The radiator is also hotter than usual I'm sure. The upshot is I seem to be able to run with the choke in quicker than I usually can and its tendency to stall when the choke is in and my foot is of the accelerator seems to have lessened.

Maybe its my imagination, who knows !

I'll have to take to driving around in just my pants and vest till the cold weather comes.

Before you strip off, you could try turning off the heater, or opening a window. Works well for me, and less likely to get into trouble for driving with no clothes on

It's summer - of course it warms up more quickly. You have a temp gauge - it's showing ok, and you are not losing water - so stop worrying!

bmcecosse wrote:You should keep the heater valve OPEN all year round. Doesn't sound like anything is 'getting hot' to me? Why do you think it's hot????

You'll certainly feel hot in the car during the summer if you keep the heater on full all year . There is absolutely no need to keep the heater flowing if the cooling sytem is in good working order. I've certainly never felt the need to in my car.....
Don't forget that Morris Minors sold in the hotter parts of the World weren't even supplied with a heater!

My firm advice is to keep that valve OPEN, just close the heater flap. Two reasons - one to keep the heater matrix clear, and two to ensure water circulates round the rear of the head and block. Follow MM's advice at your peril....

Yes always leave the tap open. The engine will thank you for it in the summer and when sitting in traffic on hot days

If the tap should always be left open why was it installed in the first place? Just curious.

that was when then cars were new - experience with A series shows better to keep that water flowing......

i keep my heater tap open a little

I use mine as nature intended, might turn the heater on for a while if stuck in traffic.

Once you have taken her for a good run and she is as hot as you say, gently remove the radiator cap with a cloth and insert a cooking thermometer , I nicked the missus meat thermometer, http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46551 as shown here on a previous post.

Thanks moggiethouable,

That seems a plan - I'm guessing from that link the ideal temp should be around 90 then ?

Maybe it is just a combination of a bit of warmer weather (though keep in mind I live in yorkshire, its not like its suddenly shot up to 33 degrees in the shade) and my paranoia as we approach the longest journey I'm yet to tackle to the national rally.

thanks again