TR2/3/3A TR3 Heater Valve Question

[toysrrus]

Hi Folks,

When I bought my `61 TR3A; The PO suggested to leave the "Heater Valve" open all the time even during the summer months.

My question is this: With the Valve open; would that "Increase or Decrease" the coolant flow thru the block?

My thought is that if the Valve were closed; There would be a better (More) coolant flow thru the block & should run cooler.

What are some opinions, comments.

Thanx in Advance,

Russ

 

[Kleykamp]

My opinion is that the heater core is like a radiator and would increase the cooling capicity if the valve is open. However, that heat is being turned loose in a cockpit that is already hotter than a 2$ pistol, in the summertime. Even with the vent doors closed on the heater box, it would still disperse heat around your legs. I've always heard that if your car is overheating to turn on the heater, but if you don't have a problem, I'd say leave it closed in the summer and if you do have a overheating problem, find the real cause. I have my heater completely disconnected. They were "optional" on these cars anyway.

 

[NutmegCT]

Hi Russ - why the heck did he say to leave the heater valve open?

(You do get more engine cooling, as coolant is also moving through the heater core. But there's something wrong if it needs that extra cooling.)

Tom

 

[Tinkerman]

I seem to rember that when driving cars back (late 40's through the early 60's) then we always turned the heater valve off to keep it cooler in the summer. I always thought you had a heater valve in a prominant position for that purpose. I also remember putting cardboard in front of the rad to get more heat. This was driving in New England.

Cheers, Tinkerman

 

[TR3driver]

My question is this: With the Valve open; would that "Increase or Decrease" the coolant flow thru the block?

I believe it would increase flow through the block (by a small amount), but probably decrease the flow through the cylinder head (which is where the majority of cooling is needed). Overall, I think the main cooling effect is because of the heat that will get radiated from the heater core into the cockpit. You can increase the effect even more by running the heater fan on high.

The effect is real, and I've used it. But normally it should not be required; and makes the car somewhat miserable to drive in hot weather. I would suggest concentrating on what is wrong with the normal cooling system rather than running the heater all the time. My current TR3 doesn't even have a heater, and keeps its cool even in 115F ambient (which is more than the driver can handle for very long).

 

[toysrrus]

Howdy Folks,

"Thanx" for everyone`s input.

My car runs cool as a cucumber except when stopped, idling. It really gets up there in the Temp range quite quickly. Faster than I would like.

I`ll be changing out my Thermostat, Flushing the Rad & maybe getting Mark Macy`s Fan.

Today will be in the low 70s so I`ll play around with "Open & Closed" Heater Valve & see what happens.

Thanx Much Again,

Russ