Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi,
I'm considering replacing the original radiator with a rad from an MG Metro with cooling fan, thermal switch and expansion tank. I will also remove the mechanical fan.
I am expecting this to improve warm up time in winter and reduce running noise. I will possibly have to take a view on changing the thermostat also.
The question is has anyone tried this and if so are there any potential pitfalls?

Sounds a lot of work, the Metro radiator will probably be wider but less tall. Can't you just fit an electric fan to the existing radiator?

Discussed here:
http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... ic&t=26233

Hi Mate a while back I looked at this option and it is by no means impossible. You do need to do some cutting of the panel behind the grill and if I remember rightly make some brackets to fix the radiator and of course find hoses to go from the radiator to the engine block.

It can be done with some time and effort and if you have the parts already then give it a whirl. I decided not to go this way and instead have fitted a kenlowe cooling fan to the existing radiator.

Sounds a lot of work, for what gain? Warm up time is dictated by how quick the water in the block/heater warms up, once it's 'up to temperature' the thermostat opens and lets it all through into the rad for cooling.
If it's taking a long time to warm up the thermostat could be stuck in the open position, does the top hose warm up gradually (thermostat stuck open) or quickly? (stat probably working ok)

i fitted a metro rad and electric fan when i converted my saloon to run a 1300 A+ engine. I did it because it was a cheaper option (5 pounds all in) than buying a kenlowe fan. yes it took time but i had a lot of spare time..

Thanks Chaps,
as I already have said rad in my spare parts storage facility (i.e. shed leaning against tree at bottom of garden) I think I will press on with every expectation of a more efficient system, yes I do know it is off a Metro but you have to be optimistic.

If you want quick warm up - do away with the daft by-pass hose! Fit an 88 or 92 degree stat - and drill 1 X 1/8" hole in the rim. Your heater will warm up very quickly - and there will be better circulation through the heater. Try the Mutro rad by all means - or just put the fan on your existing rad! I used to run my Minor all year round without the mechanical fan - but I didn't do much 'traffic'.

Many, many moons ago I had a Frogeye from which I removed the fan only ever overheated in very heavy traffic. Using the heater helped cool it down