4 replies to this topic

[taffy1967]

Model: Mainstream Mini Cooper 1.3 (carb)
Year: 1990
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

When I carried out a service back in June I decided to replace both the oil filler cap and radiator cap. Well they hadn't been changed in years and so I thought the time was right. But after failing to get the right parts from my local motor factors, I then turned to Mini Spares and ordered them over the telephone. I even confirmed if I was ordering the right parts for my age/model Mini with the bloke on the other end.

Going by the descriptions on their website, which also corresponded with what Somerford Minis website also stated, I ordered part no: GRC1110: -

Click Me 1..

I basically needed a 15lb radiator cap and my 1990 carb Mainstream Mini Cooper doesn't have a sender unit for the electric auxiliary cooling fan mounted in the bottom and nor does it have an expansion tank as such. No it only has a little radiator overflow bottle, instead of just a tube that points to the ground.

But it does have an earlier type of thermostat sender unit for the smaller type of electric auxiliary cooling fan.

Anyway the reason I'm asking for advice is because since fitting this new cap, I've noticed the coolant level dropping slightly to just beneath the wire marker. I have topped it up and so today I compared both radiator caps (my old one against my new one and yes I know I really should have done this in the beginning) and my new cap has no rubber seal, where as my old one has.

The old radiator cap isn't the original though, but I'm now worried I may have the wrong type fitted and I may end up loosing all my coolant and cooking my engine?

So can anyone confirm exactly which radiator cap I should have fitted to my Mini? I imagine this is the type (with the seal) that I had fitted recently: -

Click Me 2..

Oh and due to the terrible weather lately and taking time to get my Mini sorted out for the MOT, I've only done 18 miles since fitting that cap. But even if it is the wrong one, since I ordered it back in June, I guess Mini Spares aren't going to replace it now?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Edited by taffy1967, 30 August 2009 - 12:32 AM.

[taffy1967]

Oh yes and the part no? on the top of that old radiator cap is: - 'KTP9217'

Where as my new radiator cap has this marked on it: - 'G 1050'

[newdawn1st]

From the links you posted I'd thought you was right and the lack of rubber is nothing to worry about as...

Any original side fitting radiator with the sender unit in the bottom were 1275cc models from 1992 on. This 15lb radiator cap has a rubber seal on it to ensure an air tight fit as these models were fitted with an expansion tank.

So it reads as GRC1110 doesn't have a rubber seal. But I'm just going off what the site says and not of knowledge really but i'd thought trial and error was the best way to go, just take some spare water with you for any long ish trips

edit: just a thought, but wasn't 'KTP' an original BMC parts designation? Bit odd for a '90 mini, only find similar part number on MGB's these days (I think)

Edited by newdawn1st, 30 August 2009 - 01:24 AM.

[taffy1967]

Thanks for the reply, butl I can't remember where I got the old radiator cap from and it could have even been Halfords.

But I asked the same question on the Mini Cooper Register forum and I got a definite answer which is: -

Parts book check shows you'd originally have had a GRC206. Now shown as NLA, use GRC207.

So I need the one with the seal after all and perhaps I should leave a message for Simon asking if he'd update the information on the Mini Spares page. Although Somerford Minis are also giving out the same incorrect information too.

Either way, they always seem to overlook the 1990/91 carb Rover Mini Cooper 1275cc models and so it can be trial and error getting the right parts.

[Mr Joshua]

A Mercedez rad cap rated at 15lbs is a very very good alternative.