hot engine

[buslane]

Hi all
Just collected an imported 69 delux so should be delighted, but a few niggles can you help
how hot should it be, its got a brand new engine in but after less than a mile the rear valance is boiling almost to hot to touch,exhaust is also red hot,it has an external oil cooler with fan if that makes any difference. I've had early bays before but did'nt remember them running this hot im now afraid to use it in case i torch it, could it be that because of the new engine its a bit tight, also which fuel would you recommend engine was built in the states, any suggestions more than welcome
cheers

 

[mattd1984]

Could well be the new engine, im still running mine in now and it's still running a bit hot.

 

[cyberdyne systems]

Welcome to EarlyBay, well you could try the dipstick test - is it too hot to hold or just very warm? Have you got all the correct tin ware (no gaps/bits missing). Are the valves correctly set, and ignition not over advanced? What about carb(s), is the mixture correct? Does it have a stock oil cooler as well as the after market one with fan? And is the fan working? Where is the oil cooler situated?

My feels very hot, but doesn't seem to get to a point its not happy.

 

[71Westy]

I thought that was normal? I had a gauge on the dash when I bought it - and so I added a dipstick sender. I see 100C at 50mph, 110C at 60mph. So it must be way too hot to touch. The tinware gets too hot to touch too. Standard 1600 TP.

I haven't calibrated the gauge tho - prob worth sticking it in a kettle of boiling water to test....

So that's too hot?

 

[Blake7even]

Ignore the gauge. Only one that really works is the gene berg one. All the other senders fail under test.

Unless proper drilled and tapped full flow remove the extra cooler and return to stock. This is more than likely your problem.
Then check timing starting with the valves.
Check your mixture and adjust your carb (see VW-resource.com)
Check engine to tin seal. Make sure you have all the tin on. You dipstick should be hot but you should be able to hold it tight for as long as you like.

My money is on the 'cooler' giving you problems. Best bet is to return everything to stock.