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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - How do I remove my radiator?

I can't figure out how to remove the radiator on my MKIII Sprite to gain access to the timing cover.

The description in the Haynes manual is simple enough, except I only have access to the top two bolt via access holes.

I can see the bottom two nuts on the inside of the engine bay, but I can't get to the associated bolts, since they are under the slam panel and behind the two front panels.

I know there must be a simple way to do this.

I have a vertical flow rad as in the exlpoded vew here:
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29278

Thanks.

-Alex
A Fortier

Remove a front wheel and there it should be!
Might have to remove some crud in the corner to find it but it is there
Onno Könemann

Hi Alex, if memory serves me correct the bottom two bolts are accessible from inside the wheel arches, not the easiest of jobs if the captive nut has worked loose or been replaced by a standard nut.

Mark
Mark Whitmore

Having just done this job, I can confirm that the bottom bolts go through holes in the bottom of the splash gaurd. Feel under the wing for the slash guard and wiggle the bolt through the hole and the rad shroud. If the bottom captive nuts are missing, the end of the bolt can be felt just behind/under the bottom of the radiator shroud. You have enough room to get a nut on the bolt and a ring spanner on as well!
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Alright, thanks for the quick responses guys. I will get under her tomorrow and let you guys know.

Furthermore, the reason I'm removing the rad is because, after a carb rebuild, I noticed my front cover oil separator was loose. I looked it over with a flashlight and noticed it had a nice, 5-inch split in the metal!

Glad I noticed it before I took her out in a few months.

Taking the pulley out to replace the cover is going to be its own set of problems, I'm affraid.

Once again, thanks for the info. I'll bring a camera and if I still have problems, I'll let you guys know.
A Fortier

Alex

I just realised you asked about removing your rad and my answer is about refitting it. Obviously, removal is the reverse of re-fitting!!!!
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Thanks guys.

I got it out, but it turns out it only has one caged nut left. I'm going to have to get someone to weld some back on or find some slide-on captive nuts to replace the missing ones.

Rad seems okay, but I'm going to get it pressure tested nonetheless.

Thanks!

A Fortier

This thread was discussed between 04/02/2011 and 06/02/2011

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