T&T: Ford Lehman 120 potential casualty

[Arild Jensen]

> -----Original Message-----
>   SO a question to the list:
>
>   Obviously, in Rich's situation the best thing to do would be to
> shut down the engine as soon as possible.  But let's say you have
> a more insidious situation like mine above.  Would it be best to
> shut down the engine and all related cooling ability) when the
> alarm activates or maybe back off the power and if the alarm
> ceases allow the engine to cool via the engine cooling system



REPLY
I had that exact situation with a car engine.
Instead of shutting down when the OVERHEAT alarm sounded I let it idle while
pouring cold water on the OUTSIDE OF THE RADIATOR. This worked faster than
airflow and it kept the cooling system circulating.
A mechanic who later checked out the engine told me I had done the only safe
thing to prevent a warped cylinder head.
Opening the overflow tank and letting steam out would also have posed a risk
to myself.

Conclusion, unless you break the INTAKE hose to your cooling system, let it
idle down to prevent formation of hot spots during the heat soak period
after a complete shut down.

Arild