Hi all, I have a mini 1100 with a 998 and I believe that it is running too hot. Being new to minis I was after some info on running temps. My smiths temp gauge does not work and the radiator is not boiling over. I understand they were built for cold climates but my block seems to be cooking. Any advice or suggestions on checking temp would be appreciated. P.S also looking for a replacement 'working' temp gauge. Cheers and Beers!

Take the radiator cap off and stick a thermometer in there to see what temperature the water is at. I doubt it is overheating, especially for a 998, damn things are near bullet proof.

Mini's are fine in our climate, the only reason for a mini to overheat in summer is if there is something wrong with the cooling system or your sitting dead still in traffic for ages. Then the temperature will climb up.

Without a gauge though, you really have no idea how hot the engine is running, so get that sorted out first, have look on ebay for a smiths temp guage...

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Starlet Conversion:
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Definatly get a working guage in there. A Mini will sit at about 80deg almost all year round. Will only get above that on the hottest of hot days, but usually only when sitting in slow traffic.

My 1275 LS doesn't like traffic on a HOT day. It never gets too hot, but ya watch the temp guage slowly rise. Once ya start moving again, the guage almost instantly drops.

Solution if you are getting hot in traffic = install a thermo fan. Something I may do before next summer.

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I've just connected mine back up and it does climb just very slowly. Read this post (http://ausmini.tziworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=4485) to see if you've got the wire connected to the temp gauge sender.

or give the engine more revs for a bit, as it moves the air and water a bit more than idle

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

My 1430cc runs at about 83/84 degrees C, and that's with a single 13-row oil cooler. I've contemplated getting a second one, especially for the hotter days.

If you are worried about the heat, just give the radiator and cooling system a good flush out. Also, if you have used any gasket glue on the cooling system somewhere (particularly if you didn't do it yourself), check it to make sure that it didnt squeeze out too much and block the flow of water. I just checked a connection on mine, and one hole was at least half-blocked, restricting the flow of water. Minimising leaks always helps too...

BTW, Mini Mad, you might want to be careful suggesting to people to take the radiator cap off and sticking a thermometer in while its hot (especially if it is overheating). I can imagine screams of angry people with third-degree burns on their faces already...

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

Hopefully people aren't that stupid

What i should have said was, take the cap off when cold, put a thermo in it at idle and run it until hot.

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Starlet Conversion:
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check your temp sender first, i've had to replace them on every mini i've owned.

Check that you have the correct radiator cap as well. There are 2 types, a long clubman radiator type and a shorter type.

If I were you, first priority it to fix the temp gauge. Check all the cables from the sender to the gauge etc

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Bingo! http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 72846&rd=1

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

i thought optimum running temp for mini engines is round 70degrees.... Thats what GR told me at least.....

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68matic: "i havent seen much head in my life "

Hey, thanks! I have earthed my gauge to the block with no response from the needle - this indicates to me that the gauge is broken. I will set out to find a replacement, any ideas on $$ for a smiths? p.s thought about droping a thermometer in to the radiatior changed my mind though Another tid bit for you all is that i scored myslef a complete 1000 engine + gearbox and all the other bits - starter motor for the cost of a carton of Melbourne. Bargains to be had everywhere i say!

On a high performance Mini motor you will get better power if you can keep it around 70-75*C using a 74*C thermostat. Will probably wear out sooner, but who cares!
Most stocko Minis do run hotter- if you want the heater to actually heat in winter an 82*C thermostat is better than a 74. I'd stay away from the UK 88*C ones unless you live there.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

To see if the sender is working is it possible/advisable to remove the sender and stick it in a cup of boiling water?

You can definately test a mechanical gauge by putting the sender in hot water along with a thermometer you trust, same way you test when a thermostat opens. Not so easy with an electric gauge as you have to have wires connected. Just don't burn yourself

Anto.