Radiator Temperatures

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by mhmitszach

This car isn't worth swapping to a manual. Only paid 1600 for the car. Manual swap would be at least 300-500 in parts.

What I meant was swapping for a new vehicle with a stick.

Originally Posted by Tygen1

One indicator, for the Zetec, that you are too hot will be pinging. It will ping before engine damage occurs, that will let you know something is not right.

My 8 valve pings under climbing/accelerating load in warm weather, even at normal engine temps. PITA, I haven't been able to find the source of it yet. Checked for the usual suspects, vacuum leaks and dirty MAF, but no luck.

[Tygen1]

Formula413, I'm not familar with the motor in your car. Is it the 1.9 SPI? Anyhow, I had pinging for years under light load, turned out to be where the maf wires run into the air box. It is a vacuum area around the MAF on the ZX2, the plug was loose and letting unmetered air by the MAF so it was a bit lean, but under accel it would go away. Have you been to FEOA and asked around for some expert advice on that pinging?

To the orginal question, COZX2 ran his car between 210 and 230 constantly, regulating the temp with either the rad fan that he had on a switch or thru the heater. I'm sure he saw a significant improvement from running higher temps otherwise he wouldn't have done it.

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by Tygen1

Formula413, I'm not familar with the motor in your car. Is it the 1.9 SPI? Anyhow, I had pinging for years under light load, turned out to be where the maf wires run into the air box. It is a vacuum area around the MAF on the ZX2, the plug was loose and letting unmetered air by the MAF so it was a bit lean, but under accel it would go away. Have you been to FEOA and asked around for some expert advice on that pinging?

Mine is a 2 liter, the 1.9 was used from 91-96. I know the plug you are talking about for the MAF wires where it goes into the box, sometimes I notice that it is a little bit loose, so I push it back in. I'll take another look at it and maybe try spraying it with some carb cleaner and see what happens.

I did not even know there was a Ford Escort Owner's Association until you mentioned it. Going to check it out now.