Triumph Repair: tr3a overheating, radiator shop, overflow pipe

Question
I have a 61 tr3a with an overheating issue. The engine gets hot in normal conditions but seems to run normally when the generator is not on line according to the gauge? Thanks for the advice Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,
The temp gauge is not electrical so it can have nothing to do with any overheating or perception of overheating.

There are several methods to test for overheating. First you need to confirm that it is really overheating. Does it blow coolant out the overflow pipe? Did you check the coolant with a temperature probe? Or heat temp gun.

If it is really overheating you should either have the coolant sniff tested with CO equipment or get the dye from any auto parts store to put in the radiator to test for exhaust CO. (leaking head gasket)

An engine can overheat from a stuck thermostat or a water pump problem and/or a stopped up radiator. These can be tested at most any radiator shop.

When an engine is idling it does not produce much heat so that is not useful info.

Howard