Cooling an MGBGTV8

389 Fitting a cooling fans override switch to an MGBGTV8 Victor Smith (Harvest Gold 1089) longed to be able to turn on the cooling fans in anticipation of a heat build up in slower traffic, so finally got round to making the modification and found it was a straightforward job. (Oct 08) Over many years of enjoyable motoring with my V8 I had often thought it would be good if I could switch on the cooling fans when I sensed the approaching traffic conditions would cause a the build up of heat in the engine bay. I wanted to be able to do that well before the Otter switch clicked in. Well at last the job has been done and my word it does feel better to be in control of the fans! All the parts you will need can be obtained very easily from any good motor supplies shop or from Halfords. See this note online. V8NOTE389 The original cable from the Otter switch is removed from the righthand terminal of the cooling fans relay above and refixed to a new piggy back spade connector (blue above) which also carries the lead (black above) from the new override switch. More on cooling an MGBGTV8 Cooling an MGBGTV8 has been a tpoic discussed by V8 enthusiasts for many years so you will find many sources on the V8 Website and in the V8 Workshop Notes series. You can browse the complete list of V8NOTES or use the convenient detailed Index to the series. List of V8NOTES Detailed Index How to keep cool under pressure - V8 cooling system Here Colin Leisk (Damask 1729) from Warwickshire provides a comprehensive and seasonal article on maintaining the V8 pressurised cooling system so your V8 does not overheat. (May 79) V8NOTE15 Improved cooling with the MGBV8 Gordon describes the V8 cooling system as "marginal" and sets out a note on how to improve engine bay cooling. A copy of this useful note is available as V8NOTE248 Engine cooling tip for the MGBGTV8 This note from Bob Mason finally records a tip which has been discussed for years so makes interesting reading for those wanting to get some heat out of the V8 engine bay. A copy is available as V8NOTE255. V8 cooling fan motors Gordon Hesketh-Jones (Harvest Gold 1904) from Cornwall sent in a note concerning cooling fan motors recently and Peter Beadle (Damask 0503) from Gloucestershire well known for his comprehensive knowledge of V8 parts, has contributed a few comments. (Dec 02). A copy is available as V8NOTE271. The V8 cooling fan motor saga Bryan Ditchman (Bronze Yellow 1012) from Hampshire has been giving his MGBGTV8 a comprehensive refurbishment over the last 12 months and says "I would like to put in my ten pennyworth in on a positive note" on how to maintain these units. (Jan 03) Overheating problems with an MGBGTV8 Andrew Egerton-Smith (Tahiti Blue 2610) from Norfolk sought help with continuing problem of overheating in traffic. This note is based on the responses provided by Victor Smith (Harvest Gold 1089) from London SW. (Mar 03) V8NOTE288. MGBGTV8 cooling and overheating concerns The exceptionally hot and long Summer in the UK in 2003 has made us only too aware of how hot an MGBGTV8 can become and the particular concerns over cooling. In this note Roger Parker thinks through some of the issues and provides some useful suggestions. (Aug 03) V8NOTE293. Tracing a V8 overheating problem Andy Kenning (BRG 4305), a new member from Surrey, spent several frustrating months tracing an unusual fault that caused coolant loss and overheating after every road run but not after static running. It's a useful tip we will all need to tuck away in case it crops up on our own V8. (Jul 04) V8NOTE351 Fitting an Ultimate Radiator to cool a V8 Jamie Trapp (Blaze 0131) from Australia found cooling a big issue so set about curing it! (Jun 06) V8NOTE352 Cooling the V8 engine in the MGB V8 cooling has always been a topical subject for MGV8 enthusiasts and now we have an article on Bill McCullough's painstaking research and findings. It is certain to spark a debate amongst fellow members. (Jan 08) V8NOTE374 More on V8 engine cooling Tony Lake (Flamenco Red 2489) from Northmaptonshire sent in a useful note as a follow up to Bill McCullough's painstaking research into the cooling system used on the Factory MGBGTV8s. (Jan 08) V8NOTE375 More beating overheating tales Barrie Robinson (Gold Beige Metallic 3158) from Canada describes his journey to get his V8 conversion's cooling difficulties under control. (Apr 08) V8NOTE377 More on cooling a V8 engine bay Tony Lake (Flamenco Red 2489) from Northamptonshire has sent in some useful comments on the cooling issues raised in the recent note by the Canadian V8 enthusiast, Barrie Robinson, with his modified MGBGTV8. (Apr 08) V8NOTE378 V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net