72 2.4 MFI 911 cooling questions.

IAN · 05-30-2002, 10:33 PM

My car is running a bit hot when I go uphill at 90MPH when it is around 80 outside. It seems to be at about 220 which seems a bit warm.

I have checked the thermostat, it works.

I have removed some of the engine sheet metal and noticed that the cooler is slightly obstructed from the top. Is there a good way to clean this out from the top? Or would I do it from the bottom.

I think I'm going to take Walkers suggestion and overdrive the fan. I already have an 11 blade fan. Can I just change the top and bottom pulley or do I need to get a new fan as well?

Thanks.

GIBSON · GIBSON's Garage

Ian,
My experience with 2.4MFI cars is that without a front cooler they can easliy hit 220 going up a hill on an even mildly warm day.
I think what's important is how fast it recovers, i.e. does the temp go back down rather guickly once you are going downhill or on level surface? What oil are you using?
I would remove the engine shroud if possible and clean the cooler from both directions, you may miss things from just the bottom.
My understanding is that only the pulleys change and the fan stays the same. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong on this.

IAN · 05-31-2002, 03:15 PM

Any good way to clean the cooler from the top? Should i dump stuff into? Spray from below??

I'm running 20/50 oil.

The temp does come back down, but i still feel it is running a bit too warm....

I still wonder if just the pulley gets changed....

M. skundrick · 05-31-2002, 07:23 PM

Ian, my 72 runs about the same temp, 210 on a warm Cali day around town and 220ish if it has to exert any real HP. I personally didn't realize that this was a terrible thing, guess I was wrong. What does "overdrive the fan" mean?

Early_S_Man · 05-31-2002, 07:46 PM

Ian,

I would suggest using a narrow nozzle on a ShopVac (or equivalent) from the top of the cooler and cylinders ... held by an assistant while you blow compressed air from below. Any oil spots should be cleaned off with spray brake cleaner/degreaser and shop towels. Don't use paper towels, as they tend to shed scraps that collect in and block the small air passages!

just be glad you never see the 115°+ F temps we had here two years ago from July thru the first week of October! You would be seeing 240°+ F fairly often!