Getting a bit hot

[Juffa]

The trackdog stat is rated at 160f (71c), whereas the factory stat is around 190f (88c). So, I'm wondering if the engine is now actually running colder than normal, in day to day driving? This might be different on the track due the high strains on the drive train. The standard NA coolant temp gauge has a big dead spot in that gets to the normal position of just to the right of center at around 67c and doesn't budge again until around 106c so you wont see any smaller changes via that gauge.

just my two cents worth.

J

[93_Clubman]

I put a new 1.3 cap on yesterday, and I didn't overheat today, so it could be working (?). Just on that, how does the cap make that much difference?

d-mag, you've possibly already looked this up, but my understanding is it allows slightly greater temp to be reached before boiling point, i.e. if the cooling system wasn't pressurised it would boil at 100 degrees celcius if using straight water, or higher if using coolant. So pressurising it allows a higher boiling point, & pressurising a little more allows a little higher boiling point. I imagine a point is quickly reached where there's diminishing returns as is usually the case with these things.

[Adam_NAclubman]

Changed the thermostat today and gave it some fresh coolant, all working well now

[SuperMazdaKart]

did you test the old thermo?

maybe put the sirena mod back in

[d-mag]

Thanks for that 93, I was thinking it was something along those lines.

Adam, I take it your thermostat wasn't working? Hard to change?

[Okibi]

While the thermostat's off stick one of these thermostat sensor plates in, it's a lot more assuring when you know what your coolant temp is and that your thermostat is opening.

[adamjp]

Ahhh guys....WTF would you pay extra for a thermostat from the US when you can get one at most any auto parts store?

The 1600cc B6 engined Laser has a thermostat that opens at 72 deg c and can be bought over the counter for less than $15. I can personally gurantee it is the same construction as the B6 engined MX5 one. I don't have the part number handy, but you can work it out for yourselves if you look.

I will also add that if your car is overheating, removing a working 88deg thermostat and putting in a working 72deg thermostat will do sweet F all. Overheating implies that the system has already gone PAST the opening temp of a correctly functioning thermostat and the thermostat should be fully open already. The radiator simply cannot get rid of the excess heat. Upping the pressure will make a difference as boiling water does not flow, causing a breakdown in the flow through your cooling system, reducing it's ability to shed excess heat. Increasing the pressure also raises the boiling point, ensuring that the flow continues at higher temperatures.

[adamjp]

OK a 5 minute search of the web brings up the Tridon thermostats page.

The MX5 takes a TT323-180 thermostat. Offset, conventional, two jiggle pins, 52mm flange, 89 deg C opening temp.

The Laser takes a TT240-180. Offset, conventional, one jiggle pin, 52mm flange, 89 deg C opening temp.

There is a few variations of the Laser thermostat available - the best being a TT2040-180 with 30% more flow, but the same temp.

If you want to get adventurous you need to get a TT2001-160. This is a conventional, high flow, 52mm flange thermostat with single jiggle pin. Not offset.

It will fit and function perfectly in a B6 MX5 thermostat housing whilst offering 30% more flow than the stock one AND it opens at 71deg C.
http://www.tridon.com.au/Products/Product.aspx?SG=8&S=35&G=479&P=104057

I'll bet serious money that the TT2001-160 is better than what Trackdog sells. They probably sell the TT6-160 with it's lower flow design.

[Fatty]

thanks adam, that's some pretty "cool" info

[Adam_NAclubman]

I got an 82 degree Dayco DT27A-BP which was centred and had a single jiggle pin

[Steampunk]

I like this idea...

http://www.solomiata.com/CoolantReroute.html

That's what I have.
Works great. I checked the coolant temp immediately after 5 laps of Queensland Raceway, after a few sessions with ambient air temp approx 26degree Celcius, and it reaches 208deg Fahrenheit, no more.

[Juffa]

That's what I have.
Works great. I checked the coolant temp immediately after 5 laps of Queensland Raceway, after a few sessions with ambient air temp approx 26degree Celcius, and it reaches 208deg Fahrenheit, no more.

208f = 97.7777778c = good.

J

[manga_blue]

whats so good about the TrackDog thermostat?

Standard thermostats for most cars open at around 85C, it's a compromise. Typically best economy is generated around 95C. Best power is generated around 75C. If it's boiling then it's gone way past the opening temp of either.

[hot rod]

OK a 5 minute search of the web brings up the Tridon thermostats page.

The MX5 takes a TT323-180 thermostat. Offset, conventional, two jiggle pins, 52mm flange, 89 deg C opening temp.

The Laser takes a TT240-180. Offset, conventional, one jiggle pin, 52mm flange, 89 deg C opening temp.

There is a few variations of the Laser thermostat available - the best being a TT2040-180 with 30% more flow, but the same temp.

If you want to get adventurous you need to get a TT2001-160. This is a conventional, high flow, 52mm flange thermostat with single jiggle pin. Not offset.

It will fit and function perfectly in a B6 MX5 thermostat housing whilst offering 30% more flow than the stock one AND it opens at 71deg C.
http://www.tridon.com.au/Products/Product.aspx?SG=8&S=35&G=479&P=104057

I'll bet serious money that the TT2001-160 is better than what Trackdog sells. They probably sell the TT6-160 with it's lower flow design.

Thanks for this info, it's been very helpful.

Sorry what did you mean by 1 or 2 jiggle pins?

So do all of these lower degree thermostat's go into a std MX5 housing? I am interested in the last one you mentioned.

Also who sells the Tridon brand?

Thanks and regards.

[TieNN89]

supercheap auto sells the triton brand