second test drive ....

[LucN]

Hi ,

during my second testdrive (20 miles)
2 problems surfaced on

- The temperature is too high, around 205 ° F
- From this temperature, the engine stops running the moment the clutch is pressed.


AgainI need your help, anyone has any idea how I can fix this?


maybe a stupid question in between ... the center console is not installed yet and during the test drive I felled the gearbox was reasonably hot. Is this normal behavior?

Thx again,
LucN

[baltobernie]

The radiator fan should operate when the coolant reaches approximately 205°F. The fan usually runs for a minute or so, until the temperature drops to about 190. Does yours?

We need more info on your engine. Carburetor or fuel injected?

Yes, the transmission does get hot to the touch.

[RRoller123]

The engine dies when you push in the clutch? Likely that there is no proper engine ground strap. There should be a heavy ground strap from the bell housing of the transmission to the frame. Many of us have added a second one, mine goes from a stud on the engine block, exhaust side, to a point on the side wheel well. Without the proper ground strap, your clutch cable is acting as ground, and when you push it in, somehow the connection is getting broken is my guess. Having the engine die when the clutch pedal is depressed is an odd occurrence for sure. Likely the ground strap. Anyone else?

[chrisfiat]

just imagine how that clutch cable feels during cranking!!!

[chrisfiat]

just imagine how that clutch cable feels during cranking!!!

[LucN]

Thanks all for your replies,

- my engine is a 2000 cc Carburated CS2 (1979)
- I've did'nt tested the radiator fan on the temp mentioned (205 °F) I've put in a brand new radiator with fan and did a (electrical) test during the assembly.
- how the clutch feels? I think normal , you have to puch a bit harder then nowaday cars, what should be normal.


Luc

[baltobernie]

The pedal feel of the Spider is heavier than modern cars. I don't think the clutch cable is the source of your stall problem; the electrical path of the cable is unchanged regardless of clutch position. The lack of proper engine ground (earth) usually results in the cable breaking as if it were a fuse.

With your mention of a new radiator, the possibility of air trapped in the system adds a prime suspect to your list. Trapped air will often prevent proper thermostat operation. If you start your car and let it idle, will the cooling fan eventually come on and cycle as I've described previously?

[LucN]

I'll do a test this evening.

Since the motor stops running the moment it's hot, can this not be a carburator issue?

Luc

[baltobernie]

Yes. There may be other causes, too.

But your first post indicated that the engine stopped "as soon as the clutch pedal was depressed". Are you now saying that the engine will stop (at xx°F) without any action on your part?

[LucN]

Sorry for this, probably my poor English .....

the case is, while the engine is cold (< 190 ° F) everything works fine.; the moment the temperature its above 190 °F the engine stops if I press the clutch

[btoran]

start with the fan. is it properly wired? does it come on when the temp rises above 190? if not, solve that problem first.

[redcars]

205 is not hot for à 124 warm yes, but not hot. I know this does not help your provblèm just informàtion. Àt 205 your fan should come on. Not a clue as to why it dies.

[LucN]

tested today, ... the fan comes on around 230, is this normal behavior?

LucN

[narfire]

Do you have access to one of those hand held temp indicators? The fan should come on around 190 deg.

[azruss]

your temp gauge can read high if voltage and ground are not perfect. Mine reads 10 degree high when i turn the headlights on.
check your temp with an infrared thermometer.