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MG MG Y Type - Heat and fumes!

On a recent long journey in my YB I found my feet cooking. Is this normal with Ys? Or am I lacking in insulation? Similarly I had to drive with the windows and windscreen open due to the fumey smell. No obvious leaks from the exhaust system. Car also gives off a very strong oil / petrol smell when stood with the engine off. So strong that I cant park the car in my house's integral garage as the smell seeps through the walls into some of the bedrooms. Apart from a minor engine oil leak I can't see any other leaks. I dont run the car in the garage. Again, is this just a common old car smell or something more sinister? Sorry if thats a stupid question but I have never owned a car as old as this before. Thanks
Marc Hanson

Certainly sounds like you are lacking insulation - try asbestos socks!

Seriously though, shouldnt be getting that hot - how hot is the engine getting? If you do not have a fancy infa-red thermometer to check it try using the wife's meat thermometer and holding it against the rear of the cylinder head for a reading.

Also shouldnt be that fumey. Look for oil burn marks on the exhaust system - to see if you are burning oil leaks off when you are driving.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks Paul. I will get a heat gun and see what temp is showing. What should it be running at? Certainly not getting any steam or bubling from the radiator header tank so have assumed its not too hot.
Marc Hanson

Hi Marc

Not wishing to state the obvious or insult you (so dont take offence) ... but the radiator should be full so that you can stick your index finger in and feel the coolant in the little half cup like thing in the radiator header. You do have enough coolant in it dont you?

Paul
Paul Barrow

Totally T-Type I think ran aa article recently about a little known small water passage accessible behind one of the core plugs which if blocked can result in overheating, but I agree get the timing, mixture and valve clearances sorted first. If you can, check the compression on each cylinder, I think it should be about 140lbs at cranking speed with the throttle wide open. Blow by in a cylinder could weaken the mixture and cause overheatng. Hope this may help Bryan
B Mellem

Paul, yes, I have enough coolant! Not sure its overheating. If it was surely the coolant would be bubbling and and the like?
Marc Hanson

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2009 and 06/10/2009

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