hi, I was wondering how far up the temperature gauge the needle should go.

I have taken off the original fan and put an electric one on instead because it was running cold. It used to take forever to heat up, so I replaced the thermostat with a tridon brand one which is the same 82C degree's as the original one. Now the needle sits halfway on the temp gauge, even with the fan on. I'm getting the radiator recored and hoping that this helps it to run a bit colder.

Its running too cold? This is new one for me.

Maybe going up in thermostat temp range would help.

About half on the temp gauge is acceptable for a stock motor i think. Mine is modified and it still never gets over half on the gauge.

I can't see the value in putting a new core into your radiator if its not over heating.

 

How long in minutes does it take to warm up? Mine takes at least 5-8mins, even after i start driving.

 

Thermo fans are not designed to run constantly. Most have a lifespan of about 1500hrs at 80 degrees.

 

I would be going back to the standard fan and trying to source a higher temp thermostat. After all, why would you spend money on a new radiator when installing the standard fan will fix the problem.

Edited August 10, 200521 yr by kangaroosa

It's running too hot. It want's to keep on climbing up past halway with the fan off. When I turn on the electric fan and leave it on it sits half way

Interesting thing youve got here.......

It's running too hot. It want's to keep on climbing up past halway with the fan off. When I turn on the electric fan and leave it on it sits half way

It gets hotter because there is no airflow over the radiator when the fan is off. The thermo fan kicks in and can only hold the temp level and not lower it (this is not uncommon).

Thermo fans are not as efficient as the standard fans and shroud.

The thermo fans actually work better sitting on the Grill side of the radiator and pushing air through the radiator into the engine bay. (not sure which side you have the fan on, thats all).

Edited August 10, 200521 yr by kangaroosa

Thermofans are most efficient with a boxed shroud. Just bolting the thermofan to the radiator means it'll only suck the air through a tiny section of the radiator.

Like so:

 

 

 

Even running motorkhanas and other such low speed high rev events, I have no problems with water cooling at all. If anything at all, my oil temperature runs a little hot.

sounds like your old thermostat was stuck open, just happened to my van a coupla months ago. takes ages to even register anything on the temp gauge, never gets above a quarter, the heater doesn't work very well

 

i don't really think a thermofan is that much of a benefit on a K engine, it will just rev a bit quicker, but if your alternator is stock then it will probably be drawing current away from the ignition, so it's kinda counterproductive

 

i'd put the stock fan and shroud back on but that's just me

Well, it would only draw current away from the ignition when it needs to (which I found on Pinky to never actually be when I'm driving around). The thermofan on Pinky only ever came on when I was stopped, or after I'd slowed down after having a big strap. I like thermofans, but that's just me.