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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - radiator question

I am new to my 1975 midget. A lot of work done. While doing so noticed radiator has no cap. How would you recommend I check levels etc?
T Leach

75 is a change-over year - do you have a 1275 or a 1500 (chrome bumpers or black rubber ones)
David Smith

Hi

the cross flow radiator used an auxiliary tank mounted to the left of the radiator (on your right when you are looking in the engine compartment), which has the radiator cap on it


Norm
Norm Kerr

You'd find a owners/drivers Handbook very useful it covers lots of things you'll need to know including this

this is an example of the chrome bumper (A-series engined) model - http://www.amazon.co.uk/MG-Owners-Handbook-Midget-Akd7596/dp/185520147X

there are many other providers and you may need the rubber bumper (Triumph 1500 engined) version
Nigel Atkins

Norm, on a 1975 LHD midget the tank is on the left when your infront of the car looking in the enginebay.

David, 1974 was the change over year to rubber bumper(and 1500 too i think recognisible on the red bumper badges.


Guys, see what just happen?
After years spending on this bbs ive become a "mister-know-it-al" (an anorac?)

I need to get away from this bbs and get a life... :)
Arie de Best

Arie you are correct that 1500 = rubber bumpers, but the last RWA car was built 17 October 74 so given the OP is in Canada it could easily be 1975 before the last cars were shipped to dealers and sold and registered for the road. There are 1975 chrome bumper cars in UK too, that's why I asked.
David Smith

I suspect that the issue is not about the location of the expansion tank with filler cap so much as how to get water into the radiator which is higher up than the expansion tank. Mainly because most water won't flow uphill.

I detach one end of the top radiator hose pipe and fill as much as I can by pouring water into it, then quickly refasten with the jubilee clip. You can also do this at the top heater hose connection, which is a bit higher. With the expansion tank 3/4 full and the cap on I then squeeze the other radiator pipes a few times to dispel any air through he expansion tank. Silicon hoses, being softer make this bit more effective.

Re-fill the expansion tank and go for a drive. As the system heats up and circulates it will get rid of air bubbles pretty effectively. Let it cool completely and it will draw water back out of the expansion tank as it does so. When fully cooled top up the expansion tank again.

It is important not to remove the expansion tank cap when it is hot. Not because you might scald yourself - which you might - but because it de-pressurises the system after which it won't automatically draw water back into the main circulation system which is what you do want it to do!

Guy
Guy

Guy, (OP), I've become quite familar with the cooling system over the last 3 years for various reasons

The rad should have a filler plug and hole (UK models at least) so no need to take top hose off to fill

Don't forget also to fully open and keep open heater valve to fill and remove air bubbles

Just thought, is there a different owners Handbook still available for the non-UK models(?)
Nigel Atkins

"There are 1975 chrome bumper cars in UK too, that's why I asked"

David, I see what you mean.
My 1500 midget was build in october 1975 and was referred to as "model 1976" eventhough is has the 1975 jubilee plac on the dash.
Its a 1975 car and was delivered at its first owner(US) in 1976.
I was wrong... :)

If I remember right some 2 years ago or so there was a thread here with a 1974 chrome bumper 1500 or 1275 rubber bumper? that was a genuine factory try-out/inbetween model.


Nigel, there are US 1500 handbooks available(purper cover)
1975 to 1976 or 77 and a different print for the last models (no more manual choke and other changed stuff)
Arie de Best

"There are 1975 chrome bumper cars in UK too, that's why I asked"

David, I see what you mean.
My 1500 midget was build in october 1975 and was referred to as "model 1976" eventhough is has the 1975 jubilee plac on the dash.
Its a 1975 car and was delivered at its first owner(US) in 1976.
I was wrong... :)

If I remember right some 2 years ago or so there was a thread here with a 1974 chrome bumper 1500 or 1275 rubber bumper? that was a genuine factory try-out/inbetween model.


Nigel, there are US 1500 handbooks available(purper cover)
1975 to 1976 or 77 and a different print for the last models (no more manual choke and other changed stuff).
Arie de Best

Nigel
My '71 1275 has no filler plug in the rad (cross flow)
My 1500 did have one, but it was very tight and I was always afraid of tearing out the brass thin-walled rad if I forced it. I am not sure now, memory fades, but I think my 1500 also had a plug in the top of the thermostat housing. Even so, I still preferred to do the filling task as I described, via the top hose in both models. One reason why I think the question of the exact age / model is relevant in this case. But I may be wrong - I often am!

Guy
Guy

Hi Guy, I knew you meant your rad was missing the filler but OP may (should?) have

My filler plug has been removed so often it loosens with no fuss and I now know not to overtigten it and twist the o-ring (more 4-LIFE splatters)

As always, if possible, a photo from OP might be very usefull

Plus owners Handbook covers all this (and a lot more) I'll scan and post bits if required or helpful
Nigel Atkins

Nigel,
Who, or what is OP ?
Guy

Er, sorry forumese

OP AFAIK (As Far As I Know) means Original Poster (T Leach)

Thought I'd put that rather than T or T Leach

I wonder if it's all sorted now, I like to hear the end result of threads, helps me learn (if I can remember the solution for the future that is)
Nigel Atkins

Arie - sorry I missed your post

thanks for the info
Nigel Atkins

This ia all great advice. Thanks. I've got it all worked out. This is all new to me including this kind of communication. It is the rubber bumper version 1500. Got it out on the road for a brief run and had a great time. Do you guys/ladies check in on the threads after you have replied? I want to make sure I am using appropriate site 'courtesy'
T Leach

This thread was discussed between 24/02/2011 and 01/03/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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