I just ducked down the shops to get a DVD, there was a puddle of radiator coolant when I came back that wasn't there before. Looks like I'll be busy tomorrow. It's coming from near the pipe that connects to the water pump. So either pipe is split or pump is rooted. It's 33C here right now, too hot to work on a hot motor.

On the positive side, I won't have to drain the radiator now. And I can change the fanbelt too while I'm down there.

Are you certain its not just overflowing? Its meant to leak out a bit when it gets hot. Not from the pump or the bypass hose though.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

Mine always blows a litre or so after I fill it -- I have the wrong cap (shallow neck cap, need a longer one) but it runs quite happily with ~3 litres.

Check that you're not just losing it through the overflow hose (if you have one). If your cap is getting old and it's hot, you could be losing a bit there.

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Gareth.

The radiator and cap are less than six months old. It has an overflow hose that runs out below the left wheel.

The puddle was more like a river. I put in one and a half vodka bottles of water before I left home and now it's almost empty again. And the Temp gauge was reading higher than normal 93C instead of 70 odd.

It's probably/hopefully just a split bottom hose.

Well, I just finished taking out the cooling system and let me say it's a pretty ordinary task. Not much room to get the bottom hose off. I tried to get the radiator out with out taking out the fan, but got worried about damaging the radiator fins. Any way this bit is split. Can I replace it with a bit of hose or do I need the exact part?


Here's where it goes, between the thermostat and the water pump


And here's what the car looks like right now


Now that I did it the hard way, is there an order to putting it back together easier? Thanks for everyones help so far. This website is awesome for helping out "mini retards" like me.

I prefer to use straight heater hose.
I have also used garden hose!

Fitting the ones you can get from mini places with the accordian style hose + big strong clamps is near impossible without pulling the engine out or unbolting stuff.

I used heater hose of suitable with and 2 metal screw ties when mine burst on the moke, total cost <$10. Heater hose from Repco, ties from Bunnings. I used a fair bit of Vasoline to slide the heater hose over the top first then the bottom (tried for like 2 hrs before thinking of this).

Shard

i've heard the accordian type are pretty hopeless, use the stright reinforced heaterpipe stuff. (not sure if can put straight stuff on with head still on though - if not use the accrdinan one until oneday when head comes off.)

You don't need to take the head off.
You take the water pump off.

The accordian hose is rubbish, it was made to be a quick fix. The factory fitted straight hose.

Yes they did on the Cooper S and later, but the early 850s etc used the accordion one I'm sure. They inherited it from the Mighty Morris Minor...

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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.

yes, its called an electric fan

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any parts for a 76 clubby pm me or ring 0405 329 326

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44717

I repaired it this morning got the OEM hose and clamps for 9 bucks. I also changed the fan belt, put it all back together and went for a drive. It appears the fan belt is too loose. What's the quick/easy way to pull it off or adjust it? I already know the hard/long way to do it.

Assuming you put the Generator/Alternator bracket back on the right way...just loosen off the clamp bolt on the half moon adjuster and jamb a lever between the alternator body and the engine block whilst you re-tighten with the belt a bit firmer.....don't overtighten the belt as you will destroy bearings....check the tightness again in about a week of running.

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"Show me the Mini!"

I just had a look. (By the way I didn't move the generator when pulling off the fanbelt because the fan was removed.) There may be no such thing as a stupid question, but my original question came pretty close. All I had to do was open my eyes. The fanbelt is now tight again.

Not too tight, I hope, you need a bit of play or the bearings in the generator and water pump will be flogged out in no time.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian