4 replies to this topic

[baj43]

Hi All,

I'm relatively new to the mini forum and was looking for a bit of help.

 

I've just replaced all the cooling system components on my 95 SPI, I have very basic mechanical knowledge but thought Id have a go. I had a leaking rad which has led to me replacing the heater matrix, associated pipes and water pump whilst I was at it. I had no issue fitting the water pump but once I had re-assembled everything I did notice when fitting the alternator belt that pulley end on the alternator did not line up correctly with the pulleys on the water pump, something I did not notice before I disassembled everything!

 

My car was actually fitted with 2 fan spacers (3/16"), not sure if this is standard on all SPI models, does anyone know if the SPI should use 1 or 2 spacers?

 

Anyway to try and align things I removed one of the spacers, not sure if this was the correct thing to do but it help someway to aligning the belt. The only potential issue with doing this is that I notice the yellow plastic fan is very close to the 'breather housing' on the timing cover and now I'm a little worried is there is any move in the fan when the car is running if the fan will actually hit the breather and cause further issues?

 

I've attached a photo if this helps, I can't quite get a rule down there to measure the gap between the breather and the Fan but I'm guessing it's about 4-5mm but have no experience to say if this is correct or not!

Attached Files

•  MinFan.JPG   24.89K   15 downloads

[Dan]

  The spacers should fit outside the pulley, not inside it.  They are fan spacers, not pulley spacers.  You should have the fan completely inside the shroud and it looks like it will be right with 2 spacers between it and the pulley from that photo, just make sure that when it is running and the blades are loaded up (they bend in use obviously, but away from the core) nothing will touch the rad.  Make sure that all 3 pulleys are aligned, the alternator position is adjustable with washers and its rear mounting is designed to slide through the casing to adjust position.

[RedRuby]

I may end up being told that I am wrong and inviting all types of disaster but I also have a SPi and that had 2 spacers that threw the pulley alignment out so I removed one and alignment sorted and no issues with the fan hitting or fouling on anything. 2 years on and no problems.

[megamini_jb]

My SPi has 2 too.

[baj43]

Thanks all for clarifying that, thats a great help, it's some 20 years since I last owned a mini so not had one apart for a long while!

 

Dan - thanks for clearing that up. I put everything back in the same order it came off......so just assumed this was correct. Now you've point it out that makes perfect sense..duh! Glad I checked before refilling the cooling system!

 

Many thanks for your help.

 

Cheers

Dave