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Jason Pfeiffer
Experienced User
Username: jpsnaggs

Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2006
Posted on Sunday, 13 August, 2006 - 08:24:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Questions... Always questions..

So, I got the car back. New Fuel pump, new alternator, new fuel hose of some sort. General cleen up's etc (this is after all the initial work done to get it really going). If the members remember, I have an "incident" where the car died, and would not restart in very hot weather (110 + degrees). Well, the mechanic said the fuel pump was the most likely solution. Changed about a week ago. Has been running great. Drove it all morning - in about 90 degree weather. Ran great. Full A/C ice cold.

Then, I went home and parked in my driveway. My driveway is on a pretty steep inline if this makes a difference. Car sat for about 1 hour, and in that time, the ourside temp went up about 15 degrees. I got in the car, it started right up. I waited 20 seconds. Put the a/c on, started to fiddle with the radio, and the car kinda died - very quietly I might add. I restarted and pulled out of the driveway to a flat surface becuase my wannabe mechanic/friend who works on VW bugs said I would be best suited to restart on flat ground... He was over visiting to see the car. So, I did. And it dies again after about 15 seconds. Then, I restarted, and applied some gas, and it was fine. I drove it about 15 minutes around the neighboorhood, and ran great... Maybe just a fluke? May be nothing? We shall see... Nonetheless, I am beginning to think this car is suited to weather below 90 degrees.

What do you think?
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Philip Sproston
Yet to post message
Username: phil2025

Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2006
Posted on Sunday, 13 August, 2006 - 21:54:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Jason: You're absolutely right, an 82 model car will not appreciate weather at high temperatures. Your problem is with fuel vaporisation (vapour lock) due to high under-bonnet temperature - the temp gauge on the dash is not accurately showing the motor block temp.

We have similar problems in the hotter areas of Australia. To help fix this I suggest the following:
1) This may seem obvious, but make sure the block is absolutely spotless - so clean you could eat your lunch off it!
2) The radiator should be removed/cleaned if it hasn't been done in the last two years. It may be up to 10% blocked although the temp gauge will still be working (if it is blocked, you should consider replacing the core with a heavy-duty unit, it's cheaper than replacing the engine). Also, make sure the fluid is replaced with the genuine RR version or Castrol NF.
3) When the radiator is removed flush the block out (for at least half an hour) through the drain plugs on the side of the block.
4) Check the fan viscous coupling for operation.
5) The electric fan in the front is 1982 design - wouldn't hurt to replace it with a multi-blade modern design fan (preferably bigger if it fits). The fan cut-in switch on top of the thermostat housing have been known to be a problem.
6) We have modified the air-conditioner to start the fan as a result of pressure also (in addition to the cut-in switch).
7) As Bill suggested you should replace both fuel filters in the carburetor. Everyone overlooks these, but blocked filters can restrict the fuel flow and can cause the vapour lock.

This may seem a bit technical, so I advise you to partake of the services of a specialist RR mechanic. It might cost you, but you'll get your car in top notch condition.
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Jason Pfeiffer
Experienced User
Username: jpsnaggs

Post Number: 13
Registered: 7-2006
Posted on Monday, 14 August, 2006 - 02:44:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Thanks for the post.

The Rolls Mechanic in town has recently gone over the car with a fine tooth comb - but I will make sure about the filters and the above stuff you mentioned.

I was hoping yesterdays incident was a normal stall, due to the fact the it was up and running great within minutes. We shall see...
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David Gore
Moderator
Username: david_gore

Post Number: 638
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Monday, 14 August, 2006 - 13:00:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Jason & welcome to Phil Sproston as a contributor,

Further to Phil's advice, I would also follow the fuel line from the fuel pumps to the carburettors and check the separation from components that get hot during engine operation especially the exhaust pipes and manifolds. You may have to consider installing heat shields or lagging the fuel line in critical areas to keep the pipes cool.