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Feb 23, 2016 11:51 pm
Feb 23, 2016 11:51 pm
Subject: Re: Thermostatic Radiator Grill opening Mechanism
In recent days have completed the fit up of the newly straightened radiator shutters and the fitment of the new Calorstat (original was called a Smithermet presumably made by Smiths Industries)
On test the shutters do not start to open until the temperature gauge reaches close to 70 C. They open very gradually until they are at an angle of approx 45 degrees from closed, they never have opened to their full extent and would look somewhat strange if they did. Once opened the temperature gauge settles at circa 73C. This was all carried out in the workshop with doors open but I guess being outside would increase airflow and possibly reduce the temperature by a couple of degrees.
The shutters took about 45mins to close (ambient February temperature was 5 C) and do so gradually.
It is important that the Calorstat actuating rod is not under any resistance at either fully closed (cold) position or fully open (hot) position. On mine there is free clearance at both positions. If you have to force the position of the Calorstat actuating rod to get the old lever to fit there is a problem and it will not stand it. We altered the original lever, introducing a curve and welding and repositioning the mounting holes to avoid any stress on the Calorstat actuating rod.
Hope this helps anyone in a similar situation. One final piece of advice...avoid pheasants when driving an LG45...it can be very expensive
Mark
In recent days have completed the fit up of the newly straightened radiator shutters and the fitment of the new Calorstat (original was called a Smithermet presumably made by Smiths Industries)
On test the shutters do not start to open until the temperature gauge reaches close to 70 C. They open very gradually until they are at an angle of approx 45 degrees from closed, they never have opened to their full extent and would look somewhat strange if they did. Once opened the temperature gauge settles at circa 73C. This was all carried out in the workshop with doors open but I guess being outside would increase airflow and possibly reduce the temperature by a couple of degrees.
The shutters took about 45mins to close (ambient February temperature was 5 C) and do so gradually.
It is important that the Calorstat actuating rod is not under any resistance at either fully closed (cold) position or fully open (hot) position. On mine there is free clearance at both positions. If you have to force the position of the Calorstat actuating rod to get the old lever to fit there is a problem and it will not stand it. We altered the original lever, introducing a curve and welding and repositioning the mounting holes to avoid any stress on the Calorstat actuating rod.
Hope this helps anyone in a similar situation. One final piece of advice...avoid pheasants when driving an LG45...it can be very expensive
Mark