Triumph Repair: 22radiator, engine coolant temperature, u channel

Question
Hi Jim, Question I have a 1972 spitfire 4 with a 15" radiator on it that was old and leaking need to be replaced so I did replace it but I went to a 22" since I live in flordia and run into alot of stop and go traffic. Thought it would do a better job but now I the gauge is on "H" all the time. I am wondering now if it my car was not designed to handle it and would also need other parts upgraded along with it.. Also I put a temp in the radiator fin to test it I got a 145 f. what is normal reading? thanks

Answer
Mark,

It sounds like either the lead from the temp sensor is disconnected or shorted, or the wiring to the gauge is suffering from a similar problem.

Fully warmed up, radiator should keep the engine coolant temperature somewhere in the 170-190f range.

Originally the Spitfire4 (1962) had been equipped with a full width radiator, which is why the "U" channel support is so wide.  The factory quickly realized that for most climates the full width radiator was too much and went to the smaller radiator.

In 1976 the US market cars were all equipped with the full width radiator again as there were complaints from US owners regarding overheating in summer.  Also the dealers had the large radiator available for cars with chronic overheating issues.

In Florida you could probably justify the big radiator.  It just sounds like you need to do some electrical work to get the gauges back online.


Cheers,

Jim