Radiator Compatiblity

Post by **h20_mako** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:42 am

Mine's a 948 engine.

i need to get another radiator as i have problems with overheating.

i understand that there are 3 types of radiator that is available now.(correct me if i'm wrong)
1) recon 948 radiator
2) recon 1098 radiator
3) new 1098 radiator

i need to know if a 1098 radiator could be fitted on a 948 engine? does the 1098 radiator provide better cooling compared to a 948 radiator?

cheers!

Post by **alex_holden** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:01 am

I think they are compatible and I doubt there will be any difference in the cooling provided. AFAIK the 948 type just has a differently shaped top tank. Personally I prefer re-cored radiators, as the new one I bought had the top pipe bent at the wrong angle and no fitting for a drain tap.

As you're overseas, maybe it would be cheaper to find somebody local who can fit a new core to your existing radiator?

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:32 am

The radiators that are obviously different are the Series MM with different hose outlets and large header tank and the Series II with a tall header tank. Anything else should fit

Post by **h20_mako** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:27 pm

yeah its definitely cheaper to recore my radiator locally but my top tank has had a burst and I have rewelded it. but after a year or so, it seems tat I am starting to having overheating problems which I think could be due to radiator.

what do you suggest

Post by **alex_holden** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:56 pm

Ah, I remember now. Wasn't the problem one of fuel vaporisation rather than the coolant boiling over?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:28 pm

The overheating problem is all caused by your 'air-con' - but if the rad is leaking - I'm sure a local source will recore and fix it for you !

Post by **alex_holden** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:31 pm

bmcecosse wrote:The overheating problem is all caused by your 'air-con'

I'm not at all sure of that. The condenser isn't blocking the radiator.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:49 pm

But the extra load on the engine is the problem - that with the high humidity and temperature - and the high idle speed mentioned earlier.....

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:14 pm

I've never noticed any difference between a 948 and 1098 radiator.
As mentioned by Mike Perry, the sII radiator has a different header tank, and an extra pipe connection, but even these can also be used on later cars (you'd just need to block the heater return port on the radiator)

In the UK, you can by a 'twin core' Minor 1000 radiator that will give better cooling, however it's fairly pointless here as the standard radiator is good enough for the UK climate.

Personally I'd say that unless the coolant reaches boiling, then you won't gain much by changing the radiator.

Post by **h20_mako** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:25 am

currently my water temp max out at 65degreeC no more higher than that. I have done the heat shield and as for the aircon, the condenser is placed below the driver seat, under the car so no issue for the condenser. As for the electric fan in front of the radiator i have kept it on at all times b4 this changes temp hit 80degreeC and car will stall.

currently driving it daily which seems to me that there are no problems arising "at the moment" (i'll keep my fingers crossed)

and since my radiator is bulging at the top due to a burst years back, i was thinking of getting a new or reconditioned one.

rayofleamington - any idea what part number is the twin core minor 1000 radiator?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:48 am

" twin core" - Hmm - that's odd, because in Mini world -the twin core is considered useless and 'four core' is the way to go for highly modified engines !
However - water temp at 65 degrees is NOT overheating - in fact, it's running cold !

Post by **alex_holden** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:48 am

h20_mako wrote:currently my water temp max out at 65degreeC no more higher than that. I have done the heat shield and as for the aircon, the condenser is placed below the driver seat, under the car so no issue for the condenser. As for the electric fan in front of the radiator i have kept it on at all times b4 this changes temp hit 80degreeC and car will stall.

So if the thermometer is anywhere near accurate, the radiator isn't the problem. 80C is slightly low if you have an 82C thermostat fitted, and 65C is definitely too low. The thermostat should prevent it running that low by limiting the amount of water going through the radiator. Perhaps the thermostat is missing?

There is something else wrong if the engine is stalling when it reaches 80C. My daily drivers have no problem running at about 88-90C all year round (I have 88C thermostats fitted).

and since my radiator is bulging at the top due to a burst years back, i was thinking of getting a new or reconditioned one.

Fair enough, but I don't think it's going to cure the problem with the engine cutting out at 80C.

Post by **h20_mako** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:48 am

bmcecosse - are there any issues if its running cold?

alex_holden - yeah chances are quite high that changing the radiator will not solve my problem and i understand that the ideal temperature is 80degreeC for a 948. Any idea where will i be able to locate the thermostat? i got to seek it as i suspect its missing too.

Post by **alex_holden** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:41 am

I've put a pink circle around the thermostat housing in this picture. 80C is a good running temperature in hot conditions where you're not worried about heater performance. I run mine at about 88C here in the UK.

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:47 am

As Alex has shown and this is what it looks like underneath.

Post by **h20_mako** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:53 am

heres mine. i am not too sure what that in the centre of it. i presume the temp sensor.

hi Declan_Burns thank you for your assistance too. So i would need to remove the housing and see if mine has one right?

Post by **h20_mako** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:55 am

and this is a picture of the burst radiator top which is welded back. after a year or so its starting to get bulge slightly. Getting worried

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:55 am

Yes-do check it.

Post by **h20_mako** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:56 am

Thanks will do so this weekend! Will get back to you

btw Declan is your a tourer too?

Post by **ColinP** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:17 pm

Hi,

While you are checking the thermostat - do check the radiator cap as well.

the Minor system should be pressurised to 4psi - that is much less than modern systems.

HTH

Colin

Morris Minor Owners Club

Radiator Compatiblity

Radiator Compatiblity

Thermostat

Thermostat