MK2 3.4 engine breaking down when hot

[JMD]

Hi Guys.
My MK2 1963 3.4 engine starts and runs like clockwork from cold. It has the electric choke conversion which works perfect.
The problems start maybe 20 miles or so into a run, The heat from the engine bay makes its way into the cab and Ive already posted about this but Im starting to beleive the engine breaking down and stuttering when hot is related to the heat in the engine bay.

The temp gauge reads within spec...

Today I pulled over into a car park when it started splutering, I lifted the bonnet to let cool air in and one of the things I noticed was the fuel inside the glass filter beaker seemed to actually be boiling. Surely this cant be right, I cant be the only MK2 owner thats noticed this.

This car has a new radiator, electric fans installed. Would it help cooling to remove the thermostat?

The plug leads are sitting on top of the cam covers so this is another area that could cause problems with the heat. The coil is also very hot to the touch.

I have just ordered new leads that come with the insulator rings to hold them off the actual engine body.. I want to order a new coil but not sure which type of electronic ignition I have..

Hoping for some feedback.. thanks in advance..
james

[piman]

Hello James,

I can't help regarding the fuel appearing to be boiling, but suspect that you may have a fuel feed problem?

Do not remove the thermostat it will upset the cooling and cause the engine to run too cool particularly in the cooler months. Cold oil is bad for engine life.

What do you call very hot to touch; it would help if you let us know what ignition system you have?

Alec

[andypryce]

I am assuming you have checked the thermostat i working correctly?

[peterheywood52573]

Had you switched the ignition off, at the time of observing the appearance of boiling? I assume you hadn't . Is it sucking air in between the pump and the tank? It might be an idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Peter.

[JMD]

Hi Folks
Just a wee update regarding this issue I had with the engine cutting out after a few miles.
I am still not quite sure if the engine bay heat was actually contributing to this fault however after much toing and froing I eventually removed all the electronic ignition upgrades including the distributor, coil and leads.

I had made my mind up to start from the beginning, with this in mind I fitted a new distributor with points and condenser, new HT leads and New Ignition coil.

Car now runs like a dream, what a pleasure to once again have the confidence to go for a long run in my beautiful MK2...

BTW during all this carry on I had also purchased one of those fancy 123 Bluetooth distributors but now that the car is running well Im loath to mess with it...

Thanks to all that replied..

JMD