7 replies to this topic

[NWilks89]

Hi, I'm in the process of upgrading my 92 carb mini so that it's ready for the final upgrade in the form of a supercharger (massive grin!).

Anyways I thought it would be a good idea to replace the original radiator with a Fletcher alloy one.

My issue is that I've noticed it requires an expansion tank and I'm not sure what's the best way to plumb one in. Most expansion tanks have an inlet (from the top of the radiator next to the cap) and an outlet. Thing is, I'm not sure where this outlet from the expansion tank should go (some have what looks like two outlet's).

I've been looking at the alloy upgraded ones for the BMW mini you can see on eBay, though any alloy one would be preferable.

Any plumbing help would be great!!

[GraemeC]

Why does it need an expansion tank?

[NWilks89]

All of the Fletcher radiators have an outlet next to the filler cap. It's got to go to something as if not water/ steam would come out.

https://www.minispor...ion-models.html

[Northernpower]

All of the Fletcher radiators have an outlet next to the filler cap. It's got to go to something as if not water/ steam would come out.

https://www.minispor...ion-models.html

Looking at the picture on the website the outlet is above the seal on the radiator cap. The only reason water will come out of there is if it overheats and boils. It will not come out in normal use. You just need an overflow pipe running down the side of the radiator.

[dyshipfakta]

All mini radiators have that.

[cal844]

All of the Fletcher radiators have an outlet next to the filler cap. It's got to go to something as if not water/ steam would come out.

https://www.minispor...ion-models.html

All mini radiators have this. The caps have a spring(set to 15PSI) so that when there is 15 psi pressure upwards on the cap the spring opens, allowing the coolant to be ejected

[Dusky]

I hope you're not installing the supercharger yourself. And don't take this the wrong way, I don't want to sound rude. But it's kind of a common thing for cars to have a way of relieving the coolant pressure if it gets to high. Steam will come out the first time you fill the radiator if you fill it too high. Once you had the engine up to temperature ( and had the heat soak after turning off) it shouldn't do it again.

[xydte]

I am replying here because i want to do the same. Has anyone the Fletcher Radiator installed on a standard 998cc engine? Here in Rhodes we get too hot about 45 celcium in Summer. My grandfather had an extra radiator outside the front grill and the summer he connected the pipes to the heater. And when he opened the heat the second radiator with electric fan inside was keeping the car cool.
So pleace if someone has the Fletcher on an engine as mine please tell me if it's worth to swap the standar for an alloy

Edited by xydte, 16 July 2017 - 08:47 PM.