So hunting some advice, there a few different types of radiator fans. Which is the most appropriate for general road use and the odd highway use. I read the 4 blade is the best for air flow but can be a little noisy and the 11 blade plastic one seems a little cheap?

Also I know when it comes to steel piping a gasket is a one time use item, is it the same for engine gaskets or can they be used again? As far as I know my engine has only been fired with the new gaskets and not run. But I want to pull the engine apart and inspect it, could I get away with not buying a new set of gaskets?

also, this thermoswitch and extra cooling fan, worth installing and what are it's main benefits?

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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.

thanks doc, Haven't seen the metal 16 blade ones yet, will start hunting about. Also is it just me or is it difficult to find the radiator cowl as well

Everything here until about 1968? had a 16 blade metal fan.
All Oz Minis had a 2 piece radiator shroud. Should be heaps about.

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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.

Main benefit will be in stop start traffic in summer where the engine isn't getting the air flow it normally would.
Worth getting? well it depends on if your buying it brand new that can be expensive, an alloy radiator would/could be cheaper. I installed a Rover inner guard fan to my mini but I have it hooked up to a switch under the dash.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

ahh ok thanks for clearing that up, I already have an alloy radiator I will be installing, but it can get pretty hot here. Might be if I have the spare cash scenario. One thing I am worried about is the wheel hitting it on full lock if it is installed in the wheel arch like in 1018cc's guide (http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=67382)

I'm up in townsville and I don't need the extra fan to cool mine (998cc). No matter what driving I do it won't go above normal even sitting in traffic for 10-15 minutes. I've just got on one the plastic fans on as well

Thanks for that Paddy, I might save my money then until I notice the needle heading for big H

The thermo's always good as a back up but I'd wait and see if you actually need it, see how temp goes when you're up and running. No use putting more weight into car with things that aren't required. If you do end up fitting one the ally rad should have plug in bottom for switch.

thanks for that peterb, as far as I can tell this is the radiator (I got it with the car when I bought it) http://www.minisport.com.au/prod1630.htm

so should have a plug

this is the other version i've seen, there could be 2 plugs in bottom, one front and rear, or like the one you link'd to. Either one can have switch fitted. In case you didn't know the switch is fitted in bottom tank so if the coolants still too hot after going through rad, it switches fan on, if it's cooled enough it stays off.

http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... .aspx|Back to shop

http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... c/radiator switch.aspx|Back to search
one type of switch, late rover

http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... c/radiator switch.aspx|Back to search
early rover

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MISHIMOTO-THERMO ... lR14WHBPKz)tf1n!~~60_35.JPG
switch to replace drain bung in early rads

thanks again peterb, Think I will hold off as it is a bit pricey, seem easy enough to install one later though based off the guide in the how to section. on a side note, I've done some hunting around but can't find a straight answer. This mega jolt ignition system, is it worth installing over a standard ignition set up?

Just fit electronic dizzy, wizz bang ignition systems won't do much on a mostly std car, so unless you're fitting bigger carb(s).