I have some questions regarding fitment of a new radiator. I purchased a new radiator and have measured it against the öriginal"one which I removed.
Now that I am trying to fit the radiator I have some problems.
Either the fan is contacting the radiator OR there is a large gap between shroud and radiator on the Engine side between shroud and radiator.

So my questions are:
Should the spacer in the picture below be fitted?

What should the gaps on either side of radiator / shroud / body of car normally be?



Additionally during the engine install I had problems with the engine stabilising tie rod. It doesn't fit quite right.....and I have tried every combination of fitting it (backwards forward turned around etc) Please comment on the picture below and let me know if this is correct....I am starting to think that this may be having an influence on radiator problem.


Thanks in advance.

Tim

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1971 Mini K

Your fan is on backwards...

The dish on the other side will give you a little more clearance.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

And those cannisters come very close to the bolt, but you have yours turned around i think?? There's a relief on the other side...but its obvious if it is the wrong way around as it points to the firewall rather dramtically, I can't tell from the image.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks Mick,
I thought the fan was wrong way around and I checked my manual and the pic in book shows fan same way as I have it, plus (and this doesn't prove anything) I installed it the same way as it was fitted before I pulled it down.

Tim

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1971 Mini K

Cheers Tim,

Take a close look at the shape of the blades, it might be the picture which throws me but...

The blade is a wing of sorts so if you think of the shape of a aircraft wing, then the convex (outwardly curved) part of the fan should face towards the front of the car, and the convex (bulges in) should face towards the passenger seat when you look down on the fan as you are in the images..this is the direction the fan will be turning, so it should follow the same rules as an aerofoil shape.

It can be tricky to spot, and plenty of people trip up here as well. Is that a new fan spacer as well?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

1. the spacer should definitely be there, I actually have an even thicker spacer than that. The fan is definitely on backwards, there should be raised lettering on the smooth side saying "engine side"

2. those gaps are fine

3. you need to pull the radiator into line with the bolt holes

4. the arrow cast into the steady needs to be at the top, and pointing towards the drivers side wheel

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks guys, yep there is that lettering on the fan which says which side towards engine. And the arrow on the tie was showing I had it wrong way....basically having an arse backwards day. Gives me something to do tomorrow .....like I need it.
Cheers
Tim

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1971 Mini K

After following the excellent help from the guys on this forum I got the fan and tie rod installed correctly. The car is back on the road after a month of intensive garage time. Its all worth it when you drive down the road enjoying the mini.

Thanks to all for their advice. And thank God for ausmini

Tim

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1971 Mini K