Technical 500 - Engine Lid Temperature

Currently reading:
Technical 500 - Engine Lid Temperature

Toon500R

New member
Joined
Jul 17, 2020
Messages
8
Points
2
Location
Southam, Warks
Hi all, Newbie here!


I have recently ( 10 months ago ) acquired my first Fiat 500, 1972 R.


It had its fair share of issues when I bought it, but that's what I liked, nothing hidden.


I took him ( Bari ) out for the maiden voyage on Sunday, kept on pulling over to check and adjust a few things.
One of things that struck me was how hot the engine lid was getting....too hot to touch!
Its a standard engine, standard exhaust.


Other than lining the inside of the boot lid with a heat shield, is there another fix?


Thanks in advance for the help.
 
Its a Fiat 500 with an air cooled engine in the back.
There is no insulation under the bonnet like modern cars.


Im sorry to say its going to get hot! especially with this warm weather we are getting. If you insulate the bonnet it will make the engine bay even hotter as the heat wont get out.


The Abarth's used to use special arms to hold the bonnet open to let more heat out.


If the engine is running fine then it should be ok.
thumb.gif
 
Thanks Frank0500 for the reply.

I have a couple of classic VWs so understand the aircooled side of things, the panels don't get too hot on those though.


As you say, the engine runs great so its maybe just keep an eye on things and keep the burn cream and fire extinguisher at the ready.


Thanks again and hoping to post some pics of Bari soon.
 
Yes, you can fry an egg on the engine cover. You made a pertinent point. Always carry a fire extinguisher. If she is running great then leave well alone! :)

Welcome to the board, post some pics when you can.
Rob
 
Hi all, Newbie here!


I have recently ( 10 months ago ) acquired my first Fiat 500, 1972 R.


It had its fair share of issues when I bought it, but that's what I liked, nothing hidden.


I took him ( Bari ) out for the maiden voyage on Sunday, kept on pulling over to check and adjust a few things.
One of things that struck me was how hot the engine lid was getting....too hot to touch!
Its a standard engine, standard exhaust.


Other than lining the inside of the boot lid with a heat shield, is there another fix?


Thanks in advance for the help.

I recently had a too hot to touch handle situation

I bought an alloy sump, but while it was on the way from Germany got on to a VW forum that mentioned air cooled cars are sensitive to running lean.

It would be really bad after cruising at light throttle for a while.

I adjusted the mixture To be a bit richer and it idles better and does not overheat. The lid still gets hot but does not feel like it will peel your skin off anymore.

That could be an easy experiment for you.

Cheers

Geoff
 
Last edited:
Back
Top