16 replies to this topic

[Chris1992]

Hi guys, quick random question. Is it possible to fit the engine with the radiator already attached? Will it fit between the wings or will there be clearance issues and I'd be better off fitting the radiator after the engine is in? 

 

I only ask, as it would make fitting the bottom radiator hose a hell of a lot easier, and its always a squeeze getting the radiator between the fan and inner wing. Don't want to chip the paint on anything!

 

 

[Daz1968]

It will fit ok on later car without radiator surround, on earlier car is still possible but a little more awkward, I never have a problem fitting radiator and bottom hose.

[Chris1992]

It will fit ok on later car without radiator surround, on earlier car is still possible but a little more awkward, I never have a problem fitting radiator and bottom hose.

 

its an 88 City E which is getting a metro 1275 shoved int it. Side mount rad not front. Just a little worried since I've had to use a fair few fan spacers to clear the timing chain breather, so the gap between the wing and fan will be a lot tighter!

[mab01uk]

There is a Mini timing cover with breather canister for 1275 which is available flattened to give the clearance for the fan.

A Metro timing cover has a round breather can, which requires some modification (flattening!) to fit Mini installations or you can use a fan spacer.

[Chris1992]

There is a Mini timing cover with breather canister for 1275 which is available flattened to give the clearance for the fan.

A Metro timing cover has a round breather can, which requires some modification (flattening!) to fit Mini installations or you can use a fan spacer.

 

Ah right, I didn't realise the breathers were different for Metros and Minis! Thanks for the info! I am currently using spacers to make the fan clear. Do you think I will struggle to fit the radiator now that the fan is spaced out further? This brings me back to my original query of maybe it would be easier to fit the radiator to the engine first, then fit the whole thing to the car as one big unit. I'm just worried about clearances between the wing and top of the radiator on the passenger side.

[59 Speed]

I think the fan will make contact with your rad with too many spacers.

Flatten the timing cover breather until the fan clears it, I used one spacer on mine.

In terms of fitting the radiator, I would just fit it after the engine and tape up the surrounding areas before hand to avoid any scratches.

[xrocketengineer]

If it is of any help, it came out like this:

 

 

And went back in like this in 1994 Japanese Cooper with air conditioning after gear box replacement:

 

 

[Midas Mk1]

Deffo easier fitting without, we usually use the water pump as a strap point

[Chris1992]

Ok thanks a lot for the help guys! I'll get the rad fitted and see how close the fan is. If its too close I'll attack it with a hammer until one spacer is enough (at the moment I'm using 2). 

[mab01uk]

Various methods to gain clearance here:-

http://www.theminifo...cover-breather/

 

On later Mini's without the inner wing metal rad cowl and no fan spacers the engine can drop in complete with rad fitted if you take care......all down to personal preference whether you fit the rad after instead.

[Cooperman]

I always fully fit the engine before installing including the radiator, starter motor, distributor, alternator and oil filter (fully primed of course).

With the engine tilted to exactly the right angle it goes straight in, even on my Mk.1 cars.

[jt19]

It's easily done in a clubby

[Dusky]

Dont think its possible on later cars with brake servos tho.

[Chris1992]

Dont think its possible on later cars with brake servos tho.

 

I won't be using a brake servo so it's all good!

[Spider]

I always fully fit the engine before installing including the radiator, starter motor, distributor, alternator and oil filter (fully primed of course).

With the engine tilted to exactly the right angle it goes straight in, even on my Mk.1 cars.

 

+1.

 

I wouldn't flaff around trying to do it any other way.

Edited by Moke Spider, 07 May 2016 - 09:32 PM.