Running too warm.

[rustyrescue]

We now know for sure the RX is running too warm. the hot weather has shown this up.
It has no viscous coupling but a thermostat controlled electric fan.
Idling on a very warm day it holds about halfway up the gauge as long as it is left, seems fine..electric fan cutting in so the fan seems up to the job.
On the move pottering it holds halfway too generally.
It is when loading the engine a bit especially up a hill it shows up and the needle starts creeping up the "normal" sector towards the top and also in traffic up a hill
Car had full system flush (it was not dirty when flushed, new thermostat from Rock Auto, all new hoses, and the electric fan so a good going over on the recommission.
Ideas?
I would quite like a good viscous coupling to see how that does but ours was very suspect.

[ian65]

part of the rad matrix could be blocked so you're only getting limited cooling from it

[rustyrescue]

that is possible, we were considering either replacing or rebuilding the radiator......there are aluminium ones with twin fans available from suspect sources which may or may not be good. What have others done.....the car is stock and will basically remain so.

[Casey]

I had mine re-cored by a local firm (who have now ceased trading after about 20+ years!). They re-use the tanks, so it looks OEM, but the 3 core replacement panel is more efficient than the original 2 core.

Details here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=3602&p=48924 - that topic contains other options too, worth a look.

Cost for my re-core was £220 inc VAT, not a cheap option.

[rustyrescue]

yes my local very very long term radiator place closed some years back.....I used them 40 years! Modern rads just go in the bin....very green that!!