Thread: V8 getting hot when stationary

Do you have an aftermarket Auto Trans oil cooler fitted that has by-passed the original oil cooler in the radiator?
If as above, re-route your trans cooler lines back through the radiator cooler and Then to your aftermarket cooler.
Not enough air at standstill/idle, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by Devomorris

V8 90 auto runs at about 80 deg normally. After a run and sitting in traffic with the ac on, temp slowly rises. Switch the compressor off at about 95 deg and it'll sit there until you start moving and will return to about 80 again. Problem seems to be heat soak when stationary and no where for the heat to dissipate. Has anyone had luck with extractor fans or cut out fins etc. cheers

also try idling at 700 rather than 650, maybe a bit more water moving around--

Seeing that AFAIK there was never a v890auto, yours must be a modded one.
First thing I would check is the viscous coupling on the fan. Maybe replace as a precaution.
Second is the fan on the front of the condenser working?
Is there an oil cooler for the auto blocking the radiator?
Is the radiator standard 90?
If so then maybe a HD or custom radiator is required as the auto will be dragging while in drive and causing more heat than normal.
Regards Philip A

I have a modified disco 1 radiator cut down and a it's a 3 core job. The auto cooler line still runs through the radiator but still with the old dunnie brush cooler on the front. Have an aftermarket to go on at some stage. Space is a little tight up front as I don't have the extended piece and winch is jammed up hard on the chassis for approach angle. Ready to order a new radiator but can't find an aluminium one to suit. Oil runs through the other side of radiator, was going to remove this and see if it improves. It copes well in all other conditions including sand and steep hills but only rises whilst stationary, when you need the ac the most! I installed 2 condenser fans on the front. Would like a robust set up for the hot and humid conditions over here so any advise on where I could get a better radiator would be appreciated. ( not sure I'm ready to invest ?550 on an ali sports one just yet tho)

I have a modified disco 1 radiator cut down and a it's a 3 core job

AFAIR 3 core was the stock size without Aircon.

My 92RRC originally had a 5 core. It was replaced by a NATRAD 3 core , but one that was more efficient. AFAIK Both NATRAD and the core are now defunct! LOL. It had a big spacer on the end to join into the 5 core tanks. I only remember this as it was done under warranty by Arthur Garthon and I was so incensed because I thought I was being dudded that I called NATRAD and got onto an engineer.

But I think that the first step is to replace the Viscous Fan coupling, as between it and the fans there should be enough cooling. The winch wouldn't help either. The fans are running in the correct direction and the blades have been flipped if necessary I hope.
Regards Philip A

Thanks for your reply PhilipA,
Ac fans are pushing and viscous fan does appear to be doing it's job. As you mentioned, there's a very good airflow from the fans. Just can't quite cope with the extra stress/heat of the ac compressor, or the air can't escape from the engine bay quick enough. Someone mentioned blocking off the side tanks at intervals so that the flow snakes it's way back and forth as it descends the radiator.....would this help?

Someone mentioned blocking off the side tanks at intervals so that the flow snakes it's way back and forth as it descends the radiator.....would this help?

Maybe but impossible with coolers in the end tanks.
Regards Philip A

Something that just occurred to me.
Do you have a fan shroud on the car?
If not it will not keep cool while idling as the shroud enables the fan to pull air from the entire surface of the radiator.
Regards Philip A