3.0 ltr spider overheating??

[bazzis]

I've just bought a 1997 3.0 ltr spider, its LHD and is showing 78K miles, problem is,it seems to run very hot according to the gauge, approx 90c when cruising, but well over 100/110c in traffic, fans are working OK, the car feels fine,is it just the gauge ?? is there any way to check if its running too hot, many thanks.

[Hoygaard]

Hi there....

probable causes to your problem could be;

Worn radiator
sticking thermostat
knackered fan switch
or faulty impeller on the waterpump

The V6 is known to run rather hot, especially if it's transverse mounted.
I would post the question on either Alfaowner or this GTV V6 forum run by a very nice bloke.

As I said, the V6 is known to run pretty hot, have you ever lost coolant because of it overheating?

Cheers
-- Hoygaard
__________________

[Alfisto Steve]

210F/99C about normal for modern cars so be sure you have 50/50 coolant mixture which raises boiling point well above 100C.

Also does it have a two speed fan system? If so is low speed coming on? Check radiator switch for two or three wires. If 3 you should have a 2 speed fan system.

If low speed not working and fan does not come on until high speed contacts make in radiator switch car can overheat in traffic because temp goes up to almost 100C before high speed cuts in.

This problem happens on the 164 sometimes.