We are enjoying great winter weather right now in the south of England, very cold, but blue skies and dry roads, so the Elan is going out more than it usually does at this time of the year. One thing that bothers me a bit though is that with outside temperatures below 4c or 3c the engine temperature just about reaches 70c during normal driving. Seems too cold to me. I’ve got an 82c thermostat and the stock small sprint radiator. I’m considering blocking off part of the front grill to reduce the airflow through the radiator.
What running engine temperature do you typically see in your Elans in this cold weather conditions?
I get to an indicated 160F (71C), and it’ll warm up more in traffic. I would say it’s only a bit cooler than the running temperature on a warm day (maybe 170-180).
I have the large S1 Marston rad, electric fan, no cardboard. I don’t know what stat is in there.
I experienced similar conditions and I installed a piece of aluminium in the gap between the bottom of the radiator and the crossmember of the chassis so no cold wind can hit the engine/sump area. I also fitted a slightly hotter thermostat ( about 85-87 degrees I think) and the engine temp has increased. in summer It runs at about 85 degrees and in very cold winter temp it is cooler but not by much. I have a plus two with a wide radiator and stromberg carbs. I also fitted a heater valve so I can close the heater similar to the baby elan. then I fitted an oil temp and now I will also install some kind of sump guard in order to raise the oil temp there it does not get over about 70 degrees which is a bit too cold for my liking.
Ideally it should be around 85-90 degrees.
Cheers
Robin