Technical Looking for a Fiat Spider connection in St. Paul, MN and cooling troubleshooting guidance

[gts351c]

Hello - I am a Fiat Spider newbie and very open to any insights.

I recently purchased a 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 and thoroughly enjoy it.

It needs some tuning and I could use some Fiat Spider education.

Does anyone know of a good mechanics shop for Fiat Spiders in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area of MN?

It seems to run hot. I've replace the thermostat. The radiator looks original. Are there common parts to replace for running hot?
My next thought is to replace the radiator.

Thank you.

Dan

 

[bugsymike]

Hello - I am a Fiat Spider newbie and very open to any insights.

I recently purchased a 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 and thoroughly enjoy it.

It needs some tuning and I could use some Fiat Spider education.

Does anyone know of a good mechanics shop for Fiat Spiders in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area of MN?

It seems to run hot. I've replace the thermostat. The radiator looks original. Are there common parts to replace for running hot?
My next thought is to replace the radiator.

Thank you.

Dan

On many older vehicles the core in radiator can become blocked so the water cannot flow through the tubes, sediment builds up in bottom.
If original metal radiator, a good old school rad specialist can unsolder the top and bottom tanks and clean out the tubes or even fit a new core and resolder your top and bottom tanks back and then pressure test etc.
It can be possible after starting engine from cold to carefully feel the radiator and see if some areas do not warm up equally, I have done this by hand, but you may be able to do it using a laser temp. gauge.
Older water pumps can fail, but commonly leak rather than the impeller rotting , although in areas without antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor in the coolant they may still rust.
If there is a heavy build up of sediment in the radiator , then the engine block may need flushing too as sediment can build up there also causing local hot spots around base of cylinders.
Automatic versions can cause extra heat to be transmitted through oil cooler pipes in bottom of rad.if applicable.

 

[gts351c]

On many older vehicles the core in radiator can become blocked so the water cannot flow through the tubes, sediment builds up in bottom.
If original metal radiator, a good old school rad specialist can unsolder the top and bottom tanks and clean out the tubes or even fit a new core and resolder your top and bottom tanks back and then pressure test etc.
It can be possible after starting engine from cold to carefully feel the radiator and see if some areas do not warm up equally, I have done this by hand, but you may be able to do it using a laser temp. gauge.
Older water pumps can fail, but commonly leak rather than the impeller rotting , although in areas without antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor in the coolant they may still rust.
If there is a heavy build up of sediment in the radiator , then the engine block may need flushing too as sediment can build up there also causing local hot spots around base of cylinders.
Automatic versions can cause extra heat to be transmitted through oil cooler pipes in bottom of rad.if applicable.

Thank you. Much appreciated! Will take a look considering your feedback.

 

[124BC1]

You might try registering at
https://www.fiatspider.com
in order to find other 124 Spider owners who might be able to recommend a 'good' mechanic's shop in your area, or provide advice if needed.

 

[124BC1]

I'd agree with 'bugysmike's advice.
I'd also suggest using a proprietary 'radiator flush' treatment (available from any Auto supply store)+(follow the instructions) to loosen any build-up of deposits in the rad. and cooling system before then reverse-flushing the system.

As regards the engine seeming to run hot, there are lots of things to consider/check to find the cause:-
are you sure the cooling system has been bled of any air after you replaced the thermostat?
is the rad cap in good condition?
is the cooling system free of leaks?
is pressure building up normally in the system? - try comparing how the top rad hose feels cold versus hot when it's squeezed - mind you don't burn your fingers- if you don't have access to a 'cooling system pressure tester'.
are the cooling fins at the front of the radiator clear of dirt, leaves etc?
is the ignition timing set correctly?
is the fuel mixture correct? - a quick check would be if the spark plugs tips are a normal pale brown color.

I wouldn't advise replacing the radiator unless you're sure that it's at fault.