Radiator

[malc4d]

Hi all.

I fitted a new radiator to my Mk2. Although a Mk 2 it had been fitted with the Mk1 setup.
After changing it all over to M2 and fitting the new radiator i cam may be put a couple of sheets of paper between the fan and radiator. This cant be normal.....can it ?

[trunt]

Could it have a Mk1 fan and viscous.. maybe they have different nose lengths?

[Lingen]

All radiators were the same thickness till almost the end of production, so the gap between the radiator and the fan would have been the same with Mk 1 or Mk 2 fans and couplings.
Where did you get the new radiator from? I have seen them with the studs at the bottom in the wrong place, causing the problem you have. There must be a gap at least big enough to get a fan belt through.
Mike.

[malc4d]

Thanks, I forgot to say that the radiator is an Upgraded, only one they sell, and l guess thicker one. Supplier says no one else has this problem. How far in should the crankshaft pully go into the engine. Mine seems to have a 1/4" gap from the grove line to the engine.

[Pete 21]

I had an ‘upgraded’ supergill one previously and it was VERY tight. I’m back to standard now which itself is pretty snug.

[Lingen]

Malc. It may be the only one they sell, but it clearly doesn't fit a Stag, (assuming you didn't have the same problem with the radiator you took out)??
I have just taken a few measurements from my car. They are not exact, but near enough.
The end tanks are 2.5" wide, and the core is inset from them by 1/4" either side. The fan is a good inch from the radiator core, (enough to get the belts off) and the back face of the crankshaft pulley is 3" from the furthest surface of the timing chain cover.
If you would now have to remove the radiator to change the belts, then it is clearly not right for the car, and I don't believe it is the only size available now. If you have still got your old one, take a few measurements from it, and check other suppliers to see if they have got the right one for the job.
Mike..

[Pete 21]

I’m guessing malc is saying only one available in US is upgraded but I got my ‘standard’ in January and as you say they’re readily available from the stag spares ‘specialists’ here in the UK.

[Lingen]

Pete.
I failed to notice that he is in Florida.. Getting one from over here would be expensive, and it would need to be very well packaged. It might still be worth shopping around though, Malc.
Mike.

[Wheelz]

If you are stuck with the new rad, then your options are to relocate it forwards, either at the top, or bottom.

[Goldstar]

Was the original not save-able Malc - there’s probably a radiator repair shop near you? Just a thought

[MandM]

sometimes this spigot is fitted and it is not needed see photos

stag fan.jpg stag fan spigot.jpg maybe helpful, been a problem before for others, not fitted on mine

[Goldstar]

I tried to fit a fan onto a mk2 pulley (longer nose, like me) that had come off a mk1 pulley and had the spigot in. I couldn’t even get the radiator (normal size) in the gap so I wouldn’t think that is the problem here. Maybe the rad fitting points are in the wrong place?

[NeilR]

What does this mean ??

"Mine seems to have a 1/4" gap from the grove line to the engine."

If you mean groove line, that is probably where the oil seal ran, means your pulley has not gone fully home.

[malc4d]

Sorry forgot to say ....Car is in the UK, radiator from robsport, the original fitted as normal and l had it recored. Only small problem was that it didn't have the fittings for a fan shroud that l wanted to fit, hence the need for a new radiator..... I'm not in the UK until the middle of Aug. So plan is to give rad back to surplier and either get fittings fitted to my Rad or get another normal sized rad with fittings.
I will post more when l'm in front of the car

Yes thats the groove, Neil. No spigot fitted.

[jbuckl]

Another important thing to check is the crank pulley bolt length and engagement, especially if fan / viscous / spacer has been swapped about.

Have found some that only have a couple of threads engaged. Not good and can mess up the thread in the crankshaft.

A 5/8 unf long reach tap is needed to fix that, even if it’s spotted before further damage occurs.

Its 5/8” dia so should have 5/8” engagement minimum.