Engine over heat

[jayvanman]

Hello Guys.

The last time I was out in my van she overheated.

I couldn't get her started and got a lift tow home.

Prior to this I had put on a new fan belt as the other one seemed quite loose.

I have got her booked in to sort out a little bit of rust on the little window and would like to drive her down there. I've got 2 weeks to fix this.

Where do I start ?

I was thinking points and then a compression test.

Jason

[Dougie]

While the engine is stone cold, check your valve gaps. A compression test won't hurt, one less thing to worry about. Oil level, points condition and gap, spark plugs, clean and check condition and gap. Fan belt tension while you're in there.
I believe running hot is a sign of the timing being out. If that doesn't solve it put on here which carb(s) and dizzy you have and see what other suggestions you get

[jayvanman]

Ok so things I need to know.

How big should the gap be on :

Points gap
Spark plugs
Valve gap

Sorry to ask, I did have the engine rebuild book but it got wet and us unreadable

Many thanks

Jason

[Dougie]

https://www.ssvc.org.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=96242

[jayvanman]

Double, thanks so much for the link.

It proved really useful.

Today checked gaps on points and plugs and cleaned plugs

All good.

One big problem is my live strap to the battery is broke.

Does anyone know if this would have caused the engine to overheat ?

[vwJim]

No, it would effect the charging but not over heating

[jayvanman]

Thanks Jim, I didnt think it would have caused the overheating but I had to ask.

[animal]

Hi Jason - what symptoms make you think it overheated ? Has it started since ?

[jayvanman]

It stalled at the lights and I had to get a tow home, the engine bay was really hot

[jayvanman]

I haven't used her sincd

[vwJim]

Have you done the valve clearances yet?

[jayvanman]

Weather permitting that's on the list for tomorrow

[jayvanman]

I just thought I'd give you a quick update.

I haven't found time to check the valve clearance but I did fit a new battery clamp to the battery cable.

She started up just fine and I was able to move Her off the front drive and bring her around the back of the house.
The battery was not charging up so I bought a new one.

So I think the problem wasn't so much the overheating but more of a battery that was on the way out and a part broken battery cable. I will be checking the valve clearances soon tho.

Jason

[jayvanman]

Tonight I checked the valve clearance.

They were all pretty much spot on. Except one.

Clearance should be 0.15 and all bare 1 of them were 0.15 - .0.2(just)
The one that was out was quite a way out. I worked my way through the feelers gauges but when I got to 0.3 and it was still quite slack I didn't bother checking and more gauges.

It was on the number 3 piston and the second one working from front of van to back, which I believe would make that an inlet.

The oil on this side of the engine seemed a bit dirtier that the other side.

I'm going to change the oil.

So if this is the cause of the over heat could someone please explain how it happens. Everyday being a school day and all that.

Much appreciate the pointers and help so far guys and also the engine sounds a whole lot sweeter. Much less clatter !

Oh and I took her for an mot this morning and she passed. Nothing to do with engine over heating I know. I just pleased and wanted to tell someone

Jason

[vwJim]

Give the bus a run out and do a few miles, then recheck the valve clearances. If the #3 inlet is out again, its a warning to get it sorted before it drops a valve. If its fine, check again after 500 miles just to be sure.