Sunday 1 September 2024

’t Kreng’s cooling system


Over the past few weeks I have been able to take ‘t Kreng out for a few short circa 100 kilometre drives. All to see how the coolant system developed with some regular use. The first two tours were not encouraging. The temperature gauge was rather erratic, with the needle constantly moving around. Though it never went over the ½ mark, it wasn’t very confidence inspiring! It might point to a small coolant leak or pressure loss. But it might as well be an electric problem. Also the low coolant level would light up when stopping at traffic lights. That could be explained by the slightly low coolant level, combined with some oxidation on the coolant level probe and the lower voltage when idling.


But first things first; checking for leaks again. And sure enough there were some traces of coolant visible on the radiator.




Luckily no visible leaks from the radiator itself, just some coolant hoses that could again be tightened a little (I have a tendency to tighten them only as much as is necessary to prevent damage to the ageing hoses). And a fair amount of roadkill on the front of the radiator!


And with that done I got in the car yesterday to drive over to a friend’s workshop to help with a problem with our car of choice for Club Triumph’s 10 Countries Run that starts Tuesday morning. This time the temperature gauge went up till the needle touched the ½ mark. And there it remained. Result! But during the outward journey the low coolant level light would lite up every time I had to stop at a traffic light. But the temperature gauge’s needle wouldn’t move.

And while going home via a long detour, after the work was finished, everything went quiet well. The temperature again stayed constant and the low coolant level light only came on ones, when negotiating a fairly tight and long 180° right hand corner at considerable speed! Hopefully all she needs now is a little top up of the coolant system. Time will tell. But first Club Triumph’s 10 Countries Run!




No comments: