19 replies to this topic

[yukonphil]

Apologies for the gate crashing, I'm not a Mini owner but whenever I Google an A series related issue I end up on a page on this site! I have a Morris Minor engine in my trike with an alloy Mini radiator. Being a numpty I assumed this would be fine without the mechanical fan, now after fitting an additional small radiator I can get it to stay just under 100 degrees if I keep moving. I have an electric fan that will cool it in traffic but I'm wondering if there is any option of a slimline mechanical fan as well as I'm really pushed for space? Anyone ever made their own? I'd like to drop the running temp around 10 degrees without the electric fan. Many thanks.

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Edited by yukonphil, 11 July 2025 - 06:16 PM.

[mab01uk]

Can you fit the fan on the outside of the radiator as that is where later Minis had there electric fan....remember because most Minis have transverse engines with a side mounted rad the fan sucks hot air out from the engine compartment and out under the front wing/wheelarch.

 

You could maybe ask Minispares for the overall depth of their electric fan:-

https://www.minispar...rpose-suck-type

 

The very last MPi classic Minis had a conventional front mounted rad with electric fan which might be better with an inline Morris Minor engine?

https://www.minispar...yman/pgg100890z

Edited by mab01uk, 11 July 2025 - 06:59 PM.

[nicklouse]

A mechanical fan might fit. But on and fit it correctly. Smooth side to the engine.

[Spider]

A fan from a Mini is no good on a Moggy as it's reverse pitched from what you need.

Respectfully, I'd say you have other issues here, while I have misgivings about your cooling system set up, I'd say the root of the issue isn't lack of cooling but one that the engine is simply making too much heat.

[yukonphil]

I do have an electric fan that sucks through the radiator that will cool it in traffic. I have tried a friend's standard mech fan but unfortunately it won't fit. I have learned a lot about the differences between the Mini and the Minor and the two main factors I'm dealing with are the lack of mechanical fan and a large drop in coolant capacity but, as I say, it does currently all work just not as cool as I'd like. I am eyeing up the Mini racing fan which is metal and four bladed but just thought I'd ask on here. It looks like it would fit but maybe someone has had the same problem in a different application, it is basically a Mini set up I have just with the engine at 90°.

[yukonphil]

A fan from a Mini is no good on a Moggy as it's reverse pitched from what you need.

Respectfully, I'd say you have other issues here, while I have misgivings about your cooling system set up, I'd say the root of the issue isn't lack of cooling but one that the engine is simply making too much heat.

Yep, I realise this but most fans will be reversible and I'm also seeing if anyone has made one. Like I say, it does currently work, I'm looking to find tune it to where I'd like it to be. Thanks though.

Edited by yukonphil, 11 July 2025 - 08:32 PM.

[Steam]

A standard xopper rad will cool better and you can get rads with more fins etc. But as has been said you probably have an underlying overheating issue here

[Spider]

 

A fan from a Mini is no good on a Moggy as it's reverse pitched from what you need.

 

Yep, I realise this but most fans will be reversible ,,,,

 

It'll only give reverse air flow if it us spun it in reverse.

This is a Fan for a North-south Engine

 

 

and from an East West from the engine side

 

 

 

and from the Radiator side

 

 

I hope you can see here flipping it over doesn't get you where you need to be,

 

 

 

 

[yukonphil]

Ah, thanks Spider, I'm getting confused with reversing the fan and reversing the direction! As has been stated there is an underlying issue or three, lack of airflow due to rad position, lack of mechanical fan to counteract this and lack of coolant, perhaps, though more coolant takes longer to cool as well as warm. Without totally redesigning the radiator set up I'm looking at a mechanical fan (Minor!) to hopefully sort it, Supercool rad or just use the electric fan more to keep the temperature down to set off with. I would just like to get it running under 90 degrees without a fan but this just might not be possible. It's still bloody good fun though

[68+86auto]

Check the ignition timing and fuel mixture carefully.

A mini fan will be no use as already stated. The airflow will only change direction if the shaft is spun the opposite way.

Is your radiator a thick one? Perhaps you could use a thin (standard) one and then use a morris minor fan.

Edited by 68+86auto, Yesterday, 07:46 AM.

[yukonphil]

Thanks, timing is fine and mixture perfect. Standard rad thickness. I'm grateful for all suggestions though I do realise that probably my biggest problem is the main radiator is largely obscured by the front wheel and forks (not something that will be a problem to anyone else on here) so even at speed the airflow is well down, hence I'm looking to come up with a mech fan that will make up for this, as per a Mini system, leaving the electric fan for stationary traffic. Looks like I need to buy a Morris Minor fan, you know, the thing I took off and threw away right at the start of the project!

[nicklouse]

A picture of the environment?  Picture of the car? Space limitations?

 

things to remember. Alloy rads are not better than brass/copper. Silver is worse than black at radiation heat. Most electric fans are either push through or pull through few are good for both.

[yukonphil]

This is the current set up, must emphasize that it is now functioning fine on a run and can cool itself stationary with the electric fan, I'm merely looking to get it running a bit cooler without the electric fan, hence the question of making my own mech fan. Just returned from a rally and looking at a Morris Minor fan I think it will fit, and it's made of steel so the potential to 'adjust' it is also good. Many thanks.
I am in the process of replacing the smaller lengths of copper tube with standard Mini hoses which may improve things, I realise this is a restriction but I'm not sure it will be enough to overcome the lack of direct airflow to the rad.

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•  Messenger_creation_6BB88F43-65C0-4E7E-88D2-19F3FBB5CBC8.jpeg   66.25K   1 downloads

Edited by yukonphil, Yesterday, 12:16 PM.

[Mr Piggy]

Sorry, I'm confused. Is this a front mounted rad?

[yukonphil]

Yes, as I mentioned at the beginning, it's a Morris Minor engine but it's really a Mini cooling system I'm using so I thought I'd ask on here as you lot are used to dealing with tight spaces and high temps!

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Edited by yukonphil, Yesterday, 12:48 PM.