www.jec.org.uk

OK, so i have heard of the bellows type thermostat with the sleeve to block the bypass, and I understand how it works,but until the recent rebuild of the Mark 1 project in the Mag. I hadn't heard that without one installed only the first two cylinders get reasonably cool water from the rad!!!!! I dont have one installed in my slightly fettled engine with a lot of money spent on good cooling - everything new and improved except rad which is still good but on the list to be replaced. I have seen various Thermostats available (3 diff types at SNG for my 4.2! none of them sleeved, new design sleeved ones at Derek Watsons, supposed original spec ones at Coventry Auto components......) all of which are different, what IS the deal? must the 4.2 XK engine with the flat top manifold and straight output housing have one and is my engine slowly getting cooked!!!!!!? and what is the spec of the Stat? how deep is the sleeve? and what diameter? and what temp should it operate? Anyone please help my engine rebuild was not monumentally expensive but more than I can afford again!

Stoat,

What does your temp gauge tell you? have you had any overheating at all? I have dealt with Derek Watson for a few specialist parts and would take his advice if he says its to original spec I would get one of his.

If you have the parts book and if you haven't you should then check in there.
I would also invest in a product called 'water wetter', you can get it from SNGB about £12. it lowers the surface tension of the water which in turn allows it to get closer to the exhaust manifold effecting better cooling of that area. It also increases the temp the cooling water boils off and lets your engine run cooler.
Rob Beere also sell a similar product which they use for racing check his website.
Use a good quality nitrate free and phosphate free antifreeze, Castrol do one called Castrol NF or go to a Porsche or BMW garage but bring a big cheque book because it isn't cheap at around £7 a litre. Use demin water and buy a Coolcat Otter switch while you're ordering the otter switch get yourself a Coolcat fan.
Dave
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webman intervention, the link has been deleted since it is suspect and links to an on-line Casino!

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply, in short I already run the Rob Beere water wetter/ corrosion inhibitor, and a 16"pacet fan controlled by inline revotec adjustable fan switch with Ally header tank without otter switch placement, Kevlar hoses and a flushed rad so I have a reasonable sytem lined up, the gauge is good in that it tells me generally I'm running at 85degrees C and I can see visibly the effects of the fan cutting in esp at idle in traffic and the effects of high 'airspeed' thru the rad at speed on a cold day. (no overheating as yet)
My real worry is that, is the bypass shroud really of importance to the general flow of water thru an open thermostat? the hole provided by an open thermostat provides less resistance to flow than the small slot for the bypass tube and I'm reasonably sure that due to someone like bernoulli's theorem water will take the easist path, granted if there is no other path then options are limited. The recent article on the mark 1 rebuild had me worried as there is no really easily accessible info on definite understanding of the flow pattern around a block with water at different temperatures and subsequently pressures. If I'm cooking my block I want to know about it.
PS I saw Derek watson at spares day Stoneleigh recently and he has two options ..... one that requires machining of the stat housing that he swears is great but also one that doesnt, that apparently will do ok also..... both at quite a price compared to unsleeved stats, so all i really need is the truth!.....Dont we all!
Thanks once again.

Contrary to Dave K I would not have anything to do with Cool Cat Corportion. Its a Mickey Mouse company based in the US & run by one man as a hobby.

Recently I tried to purchase two fans from him. Firstly his on-line ordering system would not accept international orders, secondly nobody ever answered the phone & thirdly because there was a difference between my invoice & billing adress my Visa card was rejected. I gave up in disgust.

Sorry to hear that Snowey,

I will say however in the interests of fair representation, I used Coolcat at the start of the year and purchased his quick release engine oil change plug (which is simply inspired!) and the solid state 3AU relay replacement kit which was very well described and works brilliantly (my charge light has been out for the first time in 3 years).

I emailed them first to ask some questions, used online ordering and payment and the bits arrived very shortly afterwards, I would use them again.

Again, sorry you didnt have the same luck!

on a more pertinent note they dont have correct thermostats available.... at least they didn't then..... must check!

Contrary to Dave K I would not have anything to do with Cool Cat Corportion. Its a Mickey Mouse company based in the US & run by one man as a hobby.

Recently I tried to purchase two fans from him. Firstly his on-line ordering system would not accept international orders, secondly nobody ever answered the phone & thirdly because there was a difference between my invoice & billing address my Visa card was rejected. I gave up in disgust.


I have dealt with Mike Frank who owns Coolcat and along with many of my friends who have used him have never had a problem. Mike makes quality items I have his fan, Otter switch, quick release oil pan valve all of them excellent. You won't buy a better fan for a S1 and thats a fact.

Mike sent me the oil pan quick release valve and the post office tried to charge me admin plus VAT so I told them to get stuffed and send it back.
I emailed Mike told him what had happened and asked him to send another valve to a friends house in the States so he could bring it over for me, not a problem all sorted out

Did you contact him directly? I would try to do so. I recently bought a watch from the States and the company would not accept the order it is the card issuer who stops it because of many frauds. My friend had to buy it on my behalf and pay for it I then paid him via paypal.
Mike will deal with you privately just drop him a line and explain what has happened.

Dave

Dave ,

Subsequent to my difficulties in ordering the fans I EMailed Frank & explained the problem. In response I received an abrupt 5 word response to the effect that he would "open" (whatever that meant) his order system. However it had no effect & the order was again rejected so I gave up.

It was very clear that he was not interested (no subsequent contact with me) & I will not attempt to deal with the man again.

Snowey

Snowey,

Sorry to hear that Mike has treated you like this seems very odd that any supplier would act in the way he obviously has.

Everyone has some bad experiences with suppliers now and again for whatever reason. I have heard some people say good things about SC Parts but its never been my experience or any of my friends I suppose it depends on who you talk too at the time and how they are feeling towards dealing with you.

Dave

Dave ,

Subsequent to my difficulties in ordering the fans I EMailed Frank & explained the problem. In response I received an abrupt 5 word response to the effect that he would "open" (whatever that meant) his order system. However it had no effect & the order was again rejected so I gave up.

It was very clear that he was not interested (no subsequent contact with me) & I will not attempt to deal with the man again.

Snowey


Snowey,

My own experiences of Cool Cat have been very positive. Used them twice, once for their Otter switch replacement and a spin-on oil filter; both products were high quality and arrived without any issues. Next time was to get an upgraded clock - also good.

I used the Derek Watson 'stat with modified housing on my 3.8 and although I haven't noticed any change if it does keep the back cylinders cooler then it's cheap insurance IMO.

Dave

AS a follow up to my comments about Frank & his Cool Cat Corporation I have now purchased two electric fans & an alloy shroud from V12´s which is a company based in New Hampshire in the US. Unlike the Frank scenario I experianced no problems, the product is excellent & delivery fast & effcient. I would unreservedely recommend them.