Not when oil is cold, or in winter. Mine's done 45,000 miles since rebuild, still has 75psi at 2500 rpm, hot. But I've got a ball type relief valve, they work (& seal) better.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I checked the gauge it says 50 psi at halfway and runs like this when hot, but normally runs at 75psi on the move and at cool temps.

I think my overheating problem is due to a bad seal in the radiator cap...

I did an experiment the other day and just sat her on idle for what seemed like 15-20 mins, although the temp gauge never got over 3/4 to hot, the radiator started to spew out fluid from the overflow tube! lots of it too!

I checked the radiator cap and it "seems" ok but the rubber looks like it has a smaller diameter than the metal backing? i am not sure if this rubber is supposed to be larger diameter to give it a good seal?

[EDIT] Also noticed alot of steam on the radiator cap, does that mean it's boiling over?

Anyway my car drinks radiator fluid like Makka drinks Jack Daniels!

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

what you sayin
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

Nothing! that you and my mini drink alot aint nothing wront with that!

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

There's a short neck radiator and a long neck radiator, they have different caps... Is it possible you have a short neck cap on a long neck radiator? I have seen a few at the shop who have had cooling problems and that has been a culprit (sometimes there were numerous..)

G

All the Oz Mini rads had the same length neck. Problem is, numerous Oz made caps all look the same but are different lengths for different cars....
There's a Pommy cap now too, but it should only be used in the Pommy rads that suit it.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

We see a lot of cars with different length necks on them, we clear about 50/50 stock of the two length caps, i also think when the people flush the tanks they often put a new neck on the tank or something like that...., remember when i got mine back kev? the little overflow pipe came in way to far and stopped me putting my rad cap on? They must have buggered around with something there....

G

Yeah- maybe the rad shops mess with them, but originally all the necks were the same length.
I've had 12 Minis over the years from 850 to S, & 78 Clubbie, all took the same cap..

<edit> if cap is too long the pressure won't vent- ask kazjim wot happens then...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Has chong got an air socket in the head and has he pumped the theromstate end of the Rad . Otherwise I still thing his time is is out

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

I am clueless in this aspect. I'll have to check what length the neck is and post it, then see if they match everyone else's?

Question: is the bubber bit on the radiator cap supposed to be flush with the bottom part of the radiator neck? my cap is a good 1-2 cm clear of the bottom of the neck...

How do you correct the timing? timing cover off job or dissy? or both?

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

To check the cap is the right length:
Sit cap in neck. Push down, it should spring a little. Tighten it, there should be a little resistance to turn as it engages.
If real hard to turn, cap is too long, if it don't spring at all it's too short.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Then it's too short! that is defintely what it is then as the cap is way too short to hit the bottom "collar" of the radiator neck, hence nothing to "spring" back on at all...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

That's probably why it's pi$$ing water then.. is there a mark on the rubber seal? If not it IS too short.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Problem solved! $7 for the longer clubman cap. It is now a hard press to put the cap on and it no longer leaks!!! 30+ mins of idle and no leak or overheating! Fixed just in time for the dellorto

PS. With coolant does it matter if it's type a (Corrosion Inhibitor) or type b (Anti Boil/Anti Freeze) coolant for the mini? Both seem to have anti corrosive properties... the later is MUCH more expensive (twice or more)...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I just use Nulon antifreeze- 25% mix.
Anything but plain water is OK, IMO.

<edit> Cheeck the cap is not too long. Measure with a ruler from top of radiator neck down to sealing face, (dim A) then measure the cap from inside lid to seal when spring compressed by hand (dim B). B must be less than A, or it'll never open- if that happens you will blow hoses/welch plugs etc. Ask kazjim- he knows this now...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.