Does anyone know if there are any clearance or other issues with putting
a solid radiator fan from a MkIV 1500 Spitfire in a 1976 1500 Midget
configuration?
The gal who was the recipient of the Holy Sprite 1500 engine (thanks
Glen B. and all who moved it across the country) had an severe overheat
situation that we think was caused by a failed viscous radiator fan
clutch and lost belt. The fan clutch is definitely shot so we either
need to replace it (expensive) or convert to an electric fan OR install
a solid fan/water pump from a 1500 Spitfire.
A little background - the Holy Sprite made the journey a couple of years
ago from California to New Jersey with a 1500 engine and drivetrain as
far as St. Louis. The local MG club guys installed it in this gal's car
after she blew up her last engine going 80 mph and shifting into, what
she thought, was fifth. Ouch!
This time on the club Halloween rally all was fine until going home
after the party they heard "funny noises" and kept driving another six
or seven miles (yeah, not smart) until it gave up the ghost on the
bridge in East St. Louis Illinois at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night! The
club came to her rescue and now we're trying to get her going again. The
"funny noises" included throwing the fan belt and cooking the engine so
bad it melted the spark plug boots and took all the tension out of the
valve springs. The head did not crack, but was milled flat again with
new springs. We got it up and running last night when we found the very
loose fan.
This is the third engine this gal has destroyed in a generally POS '76
Midget. She has about as much money as common sense. We're trying to get
her going just enough for her to sell it and get a Miata or something
that can take abuse and neglect a little better.
Thanks.
Lee
'79 Midget
'73 TR6 (just acquired yesterday. Hasn't run in 18 years. Have I gone
over to the Dark Side?)
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