Moss Motors, Ltd

Hi, I have a 1979 MGB and bought a new water pump,thermostat and thermostat houseing, hoses etc.from moss motors. I enstalled every thing, and have been running my engine at ideal speed for about an hour from time to time. There are no water leaks, and Temp. gauge shows half way between hot and cold (center) the fans come on and off from time to time etc. car has not over heated. Now here is the question....WHEN IS CHECK THE RADIATOR HOSES AND HEATER HOSES THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PRESSURE! I CAN SQUEEZE THE HOSES ALMOST TOGEATHER? IT IS AS IF THERE IS NO WATER IN THE HOSES OR PRESSURE! I HOPE SOME ONE CAN TELL ME WEATHER  THIS IS NORMAL, OR THE TEMO. HAS NOT OPENED TO ADVANCE THE WATER, OR IF THE WATER PUMP FAILED! I am very confussed as I feel there should be water and water pressure in these hoses... but remember the car has not over heated yet, gauge reads fine, fans work etc.... Please help a guy out with this one. maybe I am just stupid and that's ok to if this is the way it should be! My name is Gus,

email address is:  faarams@adelphia.net

please reply as soon as you can.

Much thanks,

best regards,

Gus Dielens

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Gus Dielens

First off, the water pump does not create the preasure in the system, the radiator cap does that.  I could be wrong but it doesn't sound like you have an actual problem.  If the top hose is hot to touch after running the car, the coolant is circulating properly.  The average preasure for a closed system is 15lbs so you may very well be able to comprese the hoses since they get more pliable as they get hot.  Hope this helps.

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72 MGB 80 TR8
Pittsburgh PA

I know underdog will agree that the rad cap doesn't actually create the pressure either. The heating of the coolant and its subsequent attempt to expand takes care of that. The cap is designed to relieve the pressure should it become too great for the safety of the system.

You may have air in the system. Check the coolant level at the thermostat housing after the engine has cooled.To check for pressure development, you'll need a cooling system pressure tester. Virtually any shop will have one. But, for what they might charge you to check it, you can probably purchase your own. The manual will indicate what the correct running pressure ought to be. Then you'll have a very useful diagnostic tool as well. Good luck.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

Gus

I'd say if the water level is staying up in the radiator and you don't see any leaks anywhere you are in good shape!  The only other thing I can think of is that the radiator cap might need to be replaced. If you already have done that maybe when you are screwing it on it isn't seating properly.  My first thought in reading your question was that you had done a good job and that everything was working very well.  Most cars do not run that cool at idle for prolonged periods. If the thermostat didn't open the car would overheat in a short time.  The same is true if the water pump was not working.

Please reply back with your thoughts.

Good Luck

LCJUTILA 

Gus, it sounds like you have a cool B. not to worry Gus it seems like your engine might be over cooling what thermostat are you running? Most MG owners seem to use 160F I think thats a to cool temp for the thermostat to open you will burn more gas, no heat in winter, and over time damage the engine. I run a 180f all year round and have had no real problems. As for pressure there is no real hard pressure in the hoses on these small engines. But I too have wondered the same about the press of my hoses. The hoses on my car are ALWAYS hot but never really tight w/ pressure.Also this might sound like a dumb question but is your heater control valve open? Both heater hoses will be cold to touch if the HCV is not open. Lucky you have a cable on your HCV we Midget owners have to get out the car to turn on our heater's LOL. I hope this helps Good luck

I want to thank you for your fast reply! I just ran the car again for over an hour and the temp. gauge stayed in the center, no leaks, no over heating etc.... heater works fine as well! I am getting it readfy to go into the shop due to when you press the clutch in (new master cyl.) and put it into gear it bogs down and stops running! I bought this 79 MGB from the man whom bought it off the show room floor, drove it for 48 thousand miles, had electrical fire, insurance payed for new wireing, then he covered it up and let it sit in the drive way since 1988 last tag date! I have restored the engine,great oil pressure, got it running with about $2000.00 in parts new top etc. now needs brakes, timing? tune up,(I reuilt the carb) and I want to get it on the road!I tried to drive it a short way, but it just bogged down and engine shut off! well here in Cal. they charge $100.00 per hour for the MGB shop to look at it, which is alot to me! But it is a good car I feel, and with the original miles and I have all the original sales stuff when he bought it new,and he sold it to me for $1000.00 I think it will be a nice ride one day! Any comments on the bogging down or the cause would be a big help when you have time and are free to write in the pub! Again, Thank you for your time and concideration as well as your great reply! it helps alot!

regards,

Gus Dielens

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Gus Dielens

Thank you very much for your reply! I really appreciate your time!

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Gus Dielens

Thank you for your reply! I just ran it again for over an hour and no leaks, gauge stayed just under center, fans come on and off and water was filled when I first checked it! However I am going to replace the cap just because! Thank you for your time and concideration! I really appreciate it!

regars, Gus Dielens

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Gus Dielens

Thank you very much for your reply! I ought a new Failsafe Themostat from moss motors # 434-205 180 degrees! I replaced the water pump,housing for themostat and the themostat as well as the heater control with cable. The heater hoses get hot and heater blow hot air when on. I think all is going to be ok, and I want to again thank you for yur time and concideration in helping me out with the problem I was not sure of!

Thanks,

Gus Dielens 

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Gus Dielens