Sunday, August 8, 2010

Over heating!

So. I changed out my thermostat after the Cincinatti trip, but before the Oklahoma trip. It was purchased at NAPA, and was set for a slightly higher temp than what a DeLorean engine should have. So, my preventative measure compounded the problem. New thermostat installed today! I enjoy working on the engine more and more as I get more familiar with it. I like to try to sound impressive by telling Terry that I had to remove the 'air intake manifold' to access the waterpump and themostat. :)
Tested the new part, and I noticed the fans were not coming on. Fortunately, I also ordered an otterstat, which tells the fans when to turn on, if the car is sitting, stopped in traffic. Swapping that out, it seemed to work like a charm! I've heard that overheating an engine can easily 'toast' the otterstat, so that is an important thing to remember to change out.
Fans come on now before the needle even hits the first mark on the dial!
New thermostat with new seal, repaired or replaced a few hoses, tightened hose clamps, new otterstat, new coolant tank lid, and fresh antifreeze. -Also bled the radiator of any air bubbles, as required on DeLoreans. *Gotta burp the baby.*
Next time leap, we'll be visiting our friend and official DeLorean service center owner Dave Swingle to have old hoses replaced with fancy silicone ones! No more blowing out rotten hoses. Also replacing our A/C hoses which will work much more efficiently too and I'm looking forward to that.