johnwilks

Hi when driving the car,(just got it legal so im finding out probs as i go)
im getting a smell of coolant, i can find no leaks inside or out, I have fitted 88 degree stat , drilled 1/8th hole in it, in case it fails will still allow a small flow, fitted uprated fan switch for pro allor radiator and rs 500 intercooler running at 480 hp, but even on a 5ml run trying to keep the turbo off boost, the temp is up to r, and there is a hissing from the tank cap, i noticed there is a stat in the cap is this faulty? and allowing steam out giving me the smell it is quite strong in the car, nothing dripping, nothing on the floor, no seeping at a joint, must be the cap, is this an indication of too high a pressure? or just duff cap
im really paranoid of head gasket going, it does have a group 'A' gasket and only done 2000k since 4x4 block fitted with full rebuild at upgrade by BBR(brodie brittain racing) so they know their stuff, i can only assume they did it right,
and where can i buy a cap if it is that?
cheers
John

tabetha

Cap is available new from ford, most likely to be the heater matrix, seriously it only takes a few drops of leak in here to smell the whole bloody car out.
Don't worry about the gauge reading, that's fine, they are about as truthful as gordon brown!!
The caps will never 100% seal, some do have a very slight hiss even when new but shouldn't in theory.
If it's not using coolant, and the fans come on as needed don't worry.
Make sure you have the fan and pump loom rewired though, absolutely essential for health of the engine.
tabetha

johnwilks

thanks tabitha,
How do i check the matrix? is it an easy job to remove it, I have OFN i use for pressure testing A/C systems so if i got it out i can rig up pressure testing kit, just wondering if its a dash out or what? I could always attach to the heater pipes in the engine bay..leaving the matrix in place,but dont know if it is possible? dont want to pop anything,
need to fix it as the smell gets sickly after about 10 mins im just getting my wife used to going out in it (no boost YET!! until someone tries to race then its shut your eyes time!! dear!) but I havent got much faith in the cooling side yet, I have a new Lucas relay to do the fuel pump mod as you suggested, I will do a search for the fan mod and get that done to,
is there a mod for an accurate temp measurement?
john

crazyshad1

if steam is coming from the cap then the coolant is boiling up usally due to the coolant not circulating. are you sure the stat is opening and working as it should?

tabetha

I can get you a accurate temp gauge for around £10, that is accurate to within 1 degree C.
It is not a hard job to change matrix, a bit long winded but a morning will see it done no problem, yes lower dash out job, but that is very easy, if it's original I would anyway.
tabetha

johnwilks

Tabitha
How does the gauge fit is it electronic or mechanical? by that i mean do i need another temp sensor or do i reuse the original, and i will look at changing the matrix, can i pressure test it in situ or is there a valve in the pipework for heating/cooling etc
thanks, will send pm when im at the gauge fitting time,
John

tabetha

Balls, I was thinking ACT gauge for some reason!!
But defo for less than £10 for a lecky version, for between 50C and 110C, just do a ebay search, there is a nice luminous one for £13.9 delivered.
I have just bought a air temp LCD one, for £3.75, accurate to +/- 1C.
The sensors are supplied as matched(resistance) to the gauge.
If there is ANY doubt about the matrix change it before winter, if a 88 matrix, it will be improved as well.
tabetha

johnwilks

Hi Tabitha
Is there anyone on here that supplies heater matrix for the saff?
and is there any other bits i should change while its in bits?
Thanks
John

tabetha

Not really anything else to change, local rad place will most likely be cheapest though shop around as my quotes ranged from £38 to £93.
A tip I would give is to drill out the two rivetts that hold the bracket that secures the bottom of the dash in front of the gear lever, heater box then pulls straight back and out, just use metal screws to secure bracket back down.
Make sure the cables are adjusted properly.
tabetha