Is it running ok or overheating?

[AgedMechanic]

Just for the sake of completeness the following page gives the boiling point of water at various pressures.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/boiling-point-water-d_926.html

So at 1 bar as per the manual boiling point of water is approx 120^o C.

Edited September 13, 2016 by AgedMechanic
typo

[ash]

That's good then as even when I drive it like I have stolen it I can't get it to top 100 degrees.

[ash]

Ok

to round this thread up. 250 miles of driving including the strada at Wales and it happily sat at 92-88 degrees and only went to about 103 once on a steep climb in low 1st. I flicked the fan on and that brought it back down.

it would appear all is well on the overheating issue.

or all was well. I'll start a new thread for my next issue as its a different problem...... Water ingress

[Snagger]

There are a few things being quoted from engineering toolbox that are wrong.  Firstly, antifreeze not only prevents freezing and the damage it does in sub zero conditions (the concentration giving various amounts of temperature range protection below zero), secondly, the boiling point of water at 1bar pressure is 100oC, not 120. Pressure affects boiling temperature - the lower the pressure, the lower the boiling temperature.  This is why engine cooling systems are pressurised on all but vintage engines.  

Antifreeze should always be used, a minimum of 25% mix with water but ideally 50%.  It lubricates the water pump bearings and seal and prevents rust and scale deposits in the engine and radiator.  It also increases the coolant's ability to absorb and shed heat.

You also have not set your fan up correctly.  It should automatically activate at around 90oC.  Kenlowe fans come with a horrible adjustable controller that uses a leak-inducing capillary sensor.  Using the X-Eng X-Switch is more reliable and doesn't take any calibrating.  Just use the lower temperature set terminal for the primary fan; the second terminal is for a booster fan.