Lotus mechanical fans-what temp?

[susan.anne]

Hi-Perhaps I am being just paranoid, but I am concerned that the fan on my 2005 Elise is not working! Does anyone know at what temperature the fan should come on? The owners manual does not say, but says the temperature can go as high as 250. I thought boil was 212 degrees F! At what temperature is "overheated". I sure do not want to hurt my "yellow flower" (she is saffron yellow, of course). Yesterday on the expressway-(I had the heater on)I was stuck in traffic at idle for 15 minutes and the temp went up to 205-then when I drove off-it went down to 197-just from driving it-as I do not think I hear fans! Help me-help me relieve my mind-many thanks!
LotusLady

[ChrisH]

212 is fine for a hot day. 182-186 is not hot (normal for a cool to moderate temperature day). I have hit 212 a few times. Your owner's manual talks about this on page 53 (at least, the 2005 owner's manual that I have).

The engine coolant temperature will be displayed at the bottom
right hand corner of the panel as soon as the temperature
reaches 162°F. The running temperature will fluctuate a certain
amount as the operating conditions change, and during
periods of idling or in heavy traffic, the temperature may rise to
over 212°F, with the cooling fans switching on at half speed at
approximately 208°F and at full speed at approximately 217°F.
The temperature display will flash at temperatures over 226°F
to prompt closer monitoring by the driver of high temperatures.
The pressurised cooling system has a boiling point of over 248°F.
If the temperature approaches this level then the driver should
be concerned. If this should occur, allow the engine to idle for a
few minutes whilst monitoring the temperature, and if it continues
to rise, switch off and seek qualified assistance.

The water makes up only half of the total coolant. The coolant mix is designed so as to raise the boiling point considerably and lower the freezing point (hence the name anti-freeze) for a wider temperature range of operation. Also, given that the system is pressurized, the boiling point is also a bit higher than water at one atmosphere of pressure.

By the way, the radiator fans will also come on when you turn on your air conditioning.

[LARRY22331]

Park at night on a level surface so water doesn't drain out somehow. Keep putting coolant or distilled water in your overflow box every morning until there is liquid staying in there.

If the fans kick on it's ok.

Let us know what happens.