I successfully fitted a 3.9Efi ( from a 96 Discovery) into a Lotus Excel about three years ago. I went on a leisurely run last September and found it was overheating although all ancilliaries are new. The gauge was off the scale, the heater was working well. It has a new aluminium radiator which is located near the nosecone and positioned at about 45 degrees rather than vertical. Radiator has a 14" electric fan which is thermostatically controlled and switches in and out as it should.
I recently changed the fuel temperature sensor and water temperature sensor but no difference in running...engine still cuts out when very hot and then cuts in when a little cooler.
I am about to remove thermostat and replace water pump although both items have covered less than 150 miles.
What thoughts do you have about angle of radiator?
Any useful info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

I would say a 14" electric fan isn't enough
What temp is it running at?

Engine in the rear of the motor??
Are you using an electric water pump?

Hicap phill said:

Engine in the rear of the motor??
Are you using an electric water pump?

Click to expand...

Excel is front engine iirc.

If it ran fine when you first did it then the rad angle and fan size I don't see as an issue.
Was the fan running when it said it was hot on the gauge? If not have you checked it really was hot or the fan circuit is ok?

The big question is it really getting hot? or do you have a wiring issue on the gauge wiring? Although you do say it cuts out which I find odd.

Can we get some pics sure I am not the only 1 who would like to see it shoehorned in there.

J

I'd guess the top of the rad is well below the height of the thermostat housing. Make sure the coolant level in your header tank is higher than the thermostat, otherwise it won't bleed properly.
If you dont have a proper header tank, search online for pics of TVR Chimaera 400 engine bay. That will give you some pointers.

thanks to you all for your replies, everything makes sense. I have replaced the coil and amplifier and moved them to the nearside inner wing which is as far away from the exhaust manifold as is possible and I'm awaiting delivery of a new thermostat and gasket which I intend to fit tomorrow.
I will also get some pictures of the transplant....in all honesty it looks very comfortable, almost like it grew there.
I have no idea what vehicle my header tank came from but it fits the space nicely.
Incidentally the upside down coil was about three inches from the manifold....so a bit hot altthough no signs of leakage.