Re: [T3] Litmus test for hot engine

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 21 May 2007 at 21:53, Chris Slaymaker wrote:

> How do I know if my engine is overheating?  In the upright engine, the
> dipsick is a good indicator.
> 
> I spent the last weekend working over the engine - becoming familiar with
> it, and posting like a maniac to this list.  I spent a lot of time cleaning
> things up.  I cleaned about a quarter inch layer of oil and grime off the
> bottom with a putty knife (that should help cools things down).  I cleaned
> crap off the top of the crankcase too.
> 
> This afternoon when I got home from work, I opened the engine compartment
> and it smelled, well, hot.  I was concerned.  I could barely hold my hand on
> the generator.  It shouldn't be thus - the engine is in good tune.
> 
> Tell me I worry too much.

You're probably worried too much, but here are a few things to check.

Make sure the big rubber boot at  the rear of the engine is intact 
and installed snugly all around. You don't want the engine to suck in 
anything other than cool air to cool itself with.

Check the generator. The terminals should be pointing up and slightly 
to the left. There is a line stamped into the generator body that 
should be on top. It should line up with a dot in the center of the 
retaining strap; that assures that the generator cooling hole is 
positioned so that the fan can blow air in there.

Engines that have been in poor tune for a long time will sometimes 
accumulate oil in places that aren't warming up properly. Once you 
get things corrected, those places can get hot again and cause it to 
smell hot for awhile.

-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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