Ratnest's White Knuckle First Run

[Ratnest]

Today, I did the first real test drive of Ratnest. A younger... wild and redneck "gear-head" friend was with me. I drove about 10 miles to a gas station, filled up and asked him if he'd like to drive back to my place. I should have known better, but I had already broke in the motor at home and figured "oh, what the hell let him drive it". That was a big mistake, and at 70 years old...I wasn't ready for that ride! While I fastened my seat belt and hung on silently, I saw him get out his smart phone and do something... he was taking a picture of the speedo. It's attached for your viewing.

 

[Lakeroadster]

I call shenanigans...

Let's see a bigger picture with readings on the other gauges...

 

[Rich 5150 69]

LOL....what was you thinking....? glad the wild ride came out well....!

 

[Ratnest]

I call shenanigans...

Let's see a bigger picture with readings on the other gauges...

Why John....I'm chagrined that you think my story is nothing more than a shenanigan! Would an elderly Irishman like myself do such a thing? As far as doing it again to get you other gauge readings...not likely! I like you, but not so much that I'd revisit white-knuckledom again.

 

[Lakeroadster]

You shouldn't have allowed it to be done on a public highway the first time, for lords sake don't do it again! Honestly I was also hoping that you were indeed joking about what was done on your "first real test drive".

And please, for the sake of the innocent driving public, take it to the strip next time Ratnest.

 

[Ratnest]

You shouldn't have allowed it to be done on a public highway the first time, for lords sake don't do it again! Honestly I was also hoping that you were indeed joking about what was done on your "first real test drive".

And please, for the sake of the innocent driving public, take it to the strip next time Ratnest.

LOL...LOL...I got you John. You were right with your initial belief that a "shenanigan" was pulled. The photo my friend took was of the registered speed BEFORE the electronic speedometer was calibrated. I figure the actual speed was about 75mph or so. However, my buddy is a bonafide redneck with a heavy foot and took the picture to "pull the chain" of some of our gearhead friends. All was safe and sane and I hoped to get some funny feedback. Humor is good for us especially in today's too serious world.

Ratnest is running real good, except for some higher temps that I don't like. It has a 180 degree thermostat, flex-fan, 13# cap, homemade shroud and a good but original radiator. Unfortunately, the temp hangs around 200-210 after being driven a few miles. I'm going to consider an electric fan and maybe a lower thermostat. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Lakeroadster]

LOL...LOL...I got you John. You were right with your initial belief that a "shenanigan" was pulled. The photo my friend took was of the registered speed BEFORE the electronic speedometer was calibrated. I figure the actual speed was about 75mph or so. However, my buddy is a bonafide redneck with a heavy foot and took the picture to "pull the chain" of some of our gearhead friends. All was safe and sane and I hoped to get some funny feedback. Humor is good for us especially in today's too serious world.

Ratnest is running real good, except for some higher temps that I don't like. It has a 180 degree thermostat, flex-fan, 13# cap, homemade shroud and a good but original radiator. Unfortunately, the temp hangs around 200-210 after being driven a few miles. I'm going to consider an electric fan and maybe a lower thermostat. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Well thank goodness! I got the feeling you were a wise older fella, smart enough not to drive 120 mph on public streets, but I've seen videos of folks that seem to prove they are "void of common sense", if you get my drift.

Is your temp. sender in the head or in the thermostat housing. Are you sure your gage is reading correctly? Test the gage by taking the cap off the radiator, starting the engine, and sticking a direct readout thermometer in the radiator. Then compare the direct readout gage to your in the dash gage.

As we have previously discussed the 210 F. temp is what is recommended by todays engine guru's.

 

[Ratnest]

Part of the problem John is that I'm from the "old school" and I have a difficult time being comfortable with a 210 reading. I recall our discussion and the fact that many new vehicles don't have specific temp readings...if they did we old timers would be at the dealerships whining about running hot.

The temp sender is adjacent to the thermostat. I have a friend who has one of those laser temp readers....I may go see him and see what that gadget reads.

Sorry about my twisted sense of humor, but I do enjoy a good prank.

 

[Lakeroadster]

It's all good. Happy Trails................

 

[Rich 5150 69]

Ratsnest when you say homemade shroud can you post a pic...and the flex fans are crap at best...might try a factory clutch fan, or a five or 6 blade factory steel fan, the six blade fixed fan makes more noticable noise at higher RPMs, if your wanting to stay witha aftermarket fan this has been the better of those that I have used...

 

[Ratnest]

Ratsnest when you say homemade shroud can you post a pic...and the flex fans are crap at best...might try a factory clutch fan, or a five or 6 blade factory steel fan, the six blade fixed fan makes more noticable noise at higher RPMs, if your wanting to stay witha aftermarket fan this has been the better of those that I have used...

I got a wild hair one day and decided to make a shroud. I know it's not very efficient but its got to help a little. If I decide to install an electric fan I will probably have to remove the shroud. You can see the fan I'm using. Isn't it a flex-fan?