Hi guys,
This may be a silly question but how do you tell 2,3 or 4 core radiators apart?
I just want to know what i have in mine.

Thanks

'Cores' refers to the number of rows of vertical tubes the radiator has -- not wide, but deep. If you look through the filler neck you should be able to count them.

_________________
Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Thanks
That bit i know, but the top tube of my radiator continues inside and heads towards the front. So you cant see the core itself.

Sorry i should have said that in the first question.

If it is a Clubby rad with that tube in there, it is an Oz 3 core.
These are lots better than the UK 3 core ones, ours have 2x as many fins.
Oz rad = 16fins/inch, late UK 3 core = 8 fins/inch.
The UK 2 core and 4 core are OK but their 3 core is rubbish for Oz conditions.

_________________
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.

Oh ok thanks Dr.

I may need to upgrade but wanted to know what i have to start with.

Cheers

Why, what are you doing to the engine? The standard cooling system on an Oz Mini is more than adequate for local conditions -- my '78 van spent all of the week before last (in Melbourne temperatures between 42* and 47* pretty much every day) in peak hour traffic, and barely hit 90*C on the temp gauge.

It ran the best it ever has in my ownership, too.

If everything's in good condition, the Oz 3 core you have will cool pretty much any A-series you can build.

_________________
Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

I have a A+ 1360cc with a RE-13 just your average build really. When i put the engine back together i washed and flushed out the radiator and it has been really good.
Only last week when it was quite hot it really struggled, cruising at 80kp/h the temp was sitting on 94*C and when i hit traffic it would creep up, it peaked at about 105*C. At 9pm on my way home from work it was sitting on around 85*C. On a cool day it sits on about 81*C.

I am yet to put an oil cooler on so will see how much that brings down the temps. (the cooler just need the hoses).

Oh and temp sensor is in the top hose.

My 1360 (120HP+) sits below the N mark except on 42C days when it sits right on it (in traffic). Radiator is a stock Oz 3 core Deluxe/Cooper S/Mini-K one.

I would get your radiator stripped and cleaned properly by a radiator shop.
You will not see any water temp difference by haveing an oil cooler. In traffic there is little or no airflow through it, at speed all it does is help stop the oil thinning out, so oil pressure is (maybe) a little higher.
Mine is on the shelf now...

_________________
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.

And If you have a heater fitted, Flush the heater Matrix out aswell. This is important

are you running a 82 or 72 degree thermostat? if its a 82 try a 72 should make a fair bit of difference

Ok i will see about getting my radiator and heater flushed.
Thanks Doc and john

leema: Im not sure what thermostat im running but by the temp gauge i would say 82*C. I shall try that also

Doc i would have thought anything to stop your oil thinning out would be a good thing, also lengthen the life span of your oil. Im uising KMX and when cold its 90psi and now when hot its down to about 40psi, when new it was 60psi hot and has slowly dropped over about 2.5months and its only used once a month for a week and on weekends.

re the oil pressure- it's normal for it to drop at idle when hot, but if you only can get 40 when it's revving you have too much clearance in a bearing, the pump is worn or the relief valve is sticking.
I have 70-75psi hot at 2500 rpm and up, with or without the cooler on.
Oil is KMX 20W/50.

_________________
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.

Yeah that was all at idle. revving it at about 60psi and its a freshly rebuilt engine but i havent done your 5/16th ballbearing trick either so i guess that will help a bit.

But thanks for the advice