13 replies to this topic

[BiMU]

Upon trying to take out the radiator I faced a bit of a problem. The bottom hose clamp has been somehow fitted upside down. So where it would be easy to un-screw the clamp with a long screw driver, Im faced with the problem that the screw face is actually downwards. I cant figure out how to then take this clamp off. Any ideas?

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[fikus01]

undoo the hose at the water pump and heater and remove the rad and hose together!!

[Big_Adam]

yeah. what fikus says. thats what i had to do to get the damn thing out. you have to force the pipe under the rad cowel tho so you can life the rad out.

[BiMU]

Thanks guys... managed to do it with the help of my uncle. It was a B***H to get out. Had to take off the pipe, and the cowling. One of the fan screws had wiggled loose and lost its thread thus making a circle shaped gouge out of the radiator. Hopefully this will fix the mean ass leak!

[Mini-Dave]

could you not have gotton to it from inside the wheel arch?

bit late now i know

[m1n1]

i ususlly just pull the whole rad up and then unscrew the clip. its much easier this way, and it will lift up easily, i.e. rubber pipe pipe bending in the middle. same goes fo putting it back on. done this many times over the last 5 years of mini engine swaps

[BiMU]

Thanks again for the replies... but now i have to pick your brains yet again. Seems that replacing the radiator might have fixed a big leak but...

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Looks to me that the gasket has gone. Anyone know if Halfrauds stock this?

[Purple Tom]

Yes they stock the thermostat with gaskets (but not the gasket on its own), the 'stat is about £4.99 I think and the part number should be HTK602 (I think).

Minispares do the gaskets on their own though. Or if you're really stuck you can make one out of an old cereal packet (but it won't be as good as the proper cork ones).

[BiMU]

Yes they stock the thermostat with gaskets (but not the gasket on its own), the 'stat is about £4.99 I think and the part number should be HTK602 (I think).

Minispares do the gaskets on their own though. Or if you're really stuck you can make one out of an old cereal packet (but it won't be as good as the proper cork ones).

Ah ok cheers for that... I guess it depends how fast I want it. I guess I can wait a day. Just wondering if Im going to replace the gasket do I have to drain the whole system of coolant again? :'(

[Purple Tom]

Nah, you'll only lose a bit, best thing is to take the top hose off (when cold!) and allow the coolant to run out of the thermostat housing. Then slowly remove the thermostat housing and the remainding coolant in the housing will drain off. Might lose half a litre if that.

[BiMU]

Nah, you'll only lose a bit, best thing is to take the top hose off (when cold!) and allow the coolant to run out of the thermostat housing. Then slowly remove the thermostat housing and the remainding coolant in the housing will drain off. Might lose half a litre if that.

Ah sweet! Cheers!

[the old git]

Tis a shame not everyone says where they are, because of racing I have at least 10 thermostat gaskets in my garage, along with water pump, tappet chest, head gaskets, balljoint kits etc. When ordering for the race car, I bung on all the usual stuff like this to make use of the postage cost, it also helps local club members, saves them getting ripped off/or stuck on a Sunday-they bang on my door!

[BiMU]

Tis a shame not everyone says where they are, because of racing I have at least 10 thermostat gaskets in my garage, along with water pump, tappet chest, head gaskets, balljoint kits etc. When ordering for the race car, I bung on all the usual stuff like this to make use of the postage cost, it also helps local club members, saves them getting ripped off/or stuck on a Sunday-they bang on my door!

Ah me thinks I'd have to travel a bit to bang on your door! Was that an offer?

[the old git]

You'd be surprised how far they travel when they are desperate!--could be something to do with the Mini tools they then want to borrow to do the job