Manky Monkey Motors

looks like the rad on the trike has a leak and the fan is going. the fan is making a noise like a screaming chicken sometimes when it comes on (at the right temp so switch is working) and i have drips of water at bottom of rad. whilst on a ride the other day (doing steady 65/70 mph for about 20 min) she spat over me. does not seem to be any movement in the water pump pulley and i think its flowing.

so looking at a new rad and fan. new robin rad from reliant world is £85 plus shipping. have seen new mini rad which looks to be same size from measurements i can take and about £40 cheaper.

any one see a problem with me using this?
anyone used one?

this the rad and fan i am looking at

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201145473335?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221576455277?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

cheers for any opinions. need to get this sorted asap as she is now my daily ride.

ordered now see we will see when it gets here.

Should be fine. Only problem might be the bottom hose, depending on what rad you have at the moment.

as in diameter or angle?

I have that fan on my kit car, due to space it is in front of rad and pushes air through rad. I was warned this is not the best way to do it, but after 4 years it has never let me down and kicks in and out on the thermostat OK. In France last year got stuck in traffic jam at 30 degree C. and it did not overheat. The fan did the job.

The Mini rad inlet & outlet should be the same size, but may be in different places. If you can build a trike though, it should be easy to overcome.

super cheers guys.
fan will be set up to pull air through just hoping there is space to fit her in and if they are the same size pipe then all i should need is a right angled piece of pipe to change the direction. mini one seems to come out at only slight angle to the right where as the reliant has a right angle bend and points up at about 11 o'clock angle. hope it all gets here by the weekend so i can fit and go to the trike day at the ace cafe  ;D

Just had a thought. Are you sure it's the fan screaming and not the fan belt with the extra electrical load when the fan kicks in ?

pretty sure. no extra electrical load has been added of late and did make some noise previously which was cured with some greasing and lubing but the noise is now coming back with a vengeance. seems to be a fare bit of wobble to the blades also.

Hope you make it to the Ace. I'll be at the hotrod swapmeet in Purfleet on Sunday. I've tried to get across town afterwards in time to get to the trike day a couple of times, but it's always been all over by the time I get there.

Be aware that the rad cap fitted to those alloy radiators is rated at 1.1 Bar = approx 16 PSI .
If your head gasket is a wee bit suspect then that might be enough to tip the balance .

cheers fifer will check it when it gets here. the normal rad cap i have wont fit it then? will look for a lower psi cap to fit if not.

radiator arrived today, very fast service  :D. still waiting on the fan though but should be here before weekend hopefully.

the rad cap is smaller and is 1.1 bar as you said fifer.

i have phoned a place to see about a lower lbs rad cap in the small size but they only have one down to 13lbs. better but not right.

does any one know where i can get a 7lbs one to fit? i thinks its a short reach 25mm from top of cap to bottom of stopper and 45mm across the top of the cap.

Hi Craig 7lb rad caps for a mini are LC1-LC3
or LB1
there are 9lb ones LB12-LC12

ok after some rooting about it turns out its a small Japanese size radiator cap not standard mini. lowest i can find is 0.9 bar/13lbs.  ::)

There saying its for a classic mini so should be 7lb   ???

i am going to email the seller to check they have sent me the right one and bring that point up. might have to send it back.
what issues would there be running it on a 13lbs rad cap?

Just checked and from 1970 some minis used 13lb LB11 but they didn't say what year. yes they have 59-72
What engine you got Craig some reliant's rebel and regal used LC2 4lb

its a 1978 reliant robin engine.
cant find any of these sized caps lower than 13lbs  >:( :(
have messaged the seller saying it looks like they have sent me the wrong one can they send me the right one so will see what they say.
thinking about weather to order a different one  ??? :(

Or get one of these fitted
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151586144043?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

thanks terry but dont think that will work.
that looks like it would work on a normal rad to change to a short reach cap but the id of the neck on this rad is only 31mm so that wont fit in. :(

So how much is the difference between 0.5bar/7lbs and 0.9bar/13lbs ? I know its 0.4bar you jokers  ;) but what I mean is what difference will it make to the system? If I was to have a cooling problem in the future would that 0.4bar of pressure make much difference? Would it damage the engine before it blew out the overflow? Or would is 0.4bar next to nothing and about 8 seconds of time difference before it blows?
Trying to figure out if to buy an other rad and try and send this one back or to run it!

Later Robins / Rialto use a 13lb cap with a header tank .
The 13 lb pressure cap is on the tank and the blank cap is on the rad .
The header tank only has 2 spouts on it .
The top spout is the overflow if pressure overcomes the cap and has a hose attached to it .
The bottom of the tank spout connects to the overflow spout on the rad.
This means that there is a slightly bigger amount of coolant in the system .
If you have a header tank positioned where the bottom spout on the tank is higher than the top of the rad cap then the small Japanese cap can be modified to become a blank and a standard 13lb or 7 lb cap can be fitted to the header .
I remember someone modified the 1.1 bar cap into a blank cap but that was possibly for use in the standard Robin with the header tank ?
The 13 lb Small Japanese cap should be fine on the alloy rad .

Cheers fifer  ;) I will keep this one and just buy the 0.9 bar cap for it instead of another radiator. Just wanted to make sure I couldn't do to much damage.

When you get the 13lb rad cap and it fits , could you give the link to the company and maybe a wee photo of the cap ?  :)

How did this set up with new rad work then ? Just as a matter of interest.is the rad at correct height.As you prob know, mine wasnt and it spat coolant out when running at the same speed yours did, just the same as yours did.Im very interested in your results!

fifer i will do mate  ;)
rod. i have not fitted it yet. just waiting on fan (hope it will come today) and hope to fit it all on saturday after i have done some bits at work. will let you know how it goes. will check rad but she has been running fine up until recently so am certain its good. ran from me down to loonies workshop not long ago at steady 65mph pretty much all the way, 45miles, and no issues.

What height is the rad top spigot compared to the thermostat housing spigot? Also, watch out for hoses collapsing internally, but look ok on outside. If mine proves ok, I may arrange to come over to compare notes.

yeah not a problem Rod anytime you think you want to come over just give me a shout  ;)
from the top of the rad cap to the thermostat housing (the molded part that houses the stat and is part of the head (measured to here because its a custom stat housing)) is about 14-15cm. was just a quick measure because i am at work  :o ;) and a picture to help.


(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150227_121623_zpsnrqhlvyl.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150227_121623_zpsnrqhlvyl.jpg.html)

thats what it is at mo. dont think it will be much different with new rad. it has been running sweet for around 10 months so dont think its is a height issue.
fan has arrived and even off a 9v battery it seems to have some good pull to it  ;D so plan to fit all tomorrow as long as work does not get in the way to much and no disasters.

why not? did he give a reason? most big cars have this method nowadays with no probs,
I used this method on my last trike, like you, no issues,

ok so the rad and fan are fitted. took alot longer than expected as i encountered a couple of problems.

the radiator is almost an exact match but not quite. the main problem i had is the inlet pipe at the top. on the reliant rad the pipe is 20mm long. on the alli one it is 45mm long. this caused it to hit the frame  :o ::). so i had two choices. cut the pipe, which if i did that and it still didnt fit i could not return it, or move the rad forward. so i spent some time and made some spacer brackets to fit from the old mounting points and push the whole lot forward. also made some brackets to mount the fan to as i thought that there could be a chance that the weight of the fan could rip through the rad fins over time if i used the cable tie system that came with it.

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0005_zpszdz10hf4.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0005_zpszdz10hf4.jpg.html)

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0007_zpseoyghejz.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0007_zpseoyghejz.jpg.html)

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0009_zpsphmwxk1x.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/IMG-20150228-WA0009_zpsphmwxk1x.jpg.html)

so after all that has it fixed the problem i hear you ask?
yes it has  ;D took her for a run up the A40 at 65/70 mph and i could not get the temp up over 95 ish. the fan cuts in and she gets no hotter. the fan is great. when not riding and the fan comes on its like being in a wind tunnel. took her down to the ace cafe on sunday as well and she behaved fine.
so now at some point in the future as i know it works now i will have to get some steel cut and welded on to replace the original bracket and my bodge one.

so the radiator is well made and works great BUT just remember if you are going to use it that the top pipe is 25mm longer than the reliant, the bottom pipe is a bit shorter and at a different angle and that it has a smaller Japanese car size radiator cap that the lowest pressure you can get for it is 0.9bar/13lbs.

this is the link for the rad i bought  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201145473335?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

the fan is great. plenty of pull and fits edge to edge at the back of the rad. the link is  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221576455277?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

the 9bar/13lbs rad cap has not arrived yet but as soon as it does i will get some pics and post like for that to  ;)

hope this helps someone.

Good news Craig -fixed just in time for the Summer!  8)

Wot MM just said. :D
The extra space between the rad and frame tubes/engine should also help with air flow.

Braw  ;D ;D
.
.

That is a good news Craig :)

'Twas good to catch up at the ace cafe hope your still keeping your cool

Looks good - :)

thank you kind sir's. good to see you again to stump  ;)
well as promissed here are pictures and links for the new 0.9bar/13lbs rad cap.
i have just put it on but have not fired her up for a proper test yet. bit tight getting it on but think its all good.

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112906_zpsgzxgpnne.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112906_zpsgzxgpnne.jpg.html)

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112933_zps848eoxkc.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112933_zps848eoxkc.jpg.html)

(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/twistedspirit76/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112923_zpsdnta67g0.jpg) (http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/twistedspirit76/media/mobile%20pics/mankey%20monkey%20motors/my%20trike/20150304_112923_zpsdnta67g0.jpg.html)

purchased through ebay but called them up before buying to check it was the right one to fit. very helpful guy there helped me out. bb classics
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200626951791?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

will let you know if i have any issues  :)

ok can anyone help me out? i am looking for a M14 1.25 thread pitch bolt for this rad. there is a drain plug but the wing bolt that is in it is made of plastic and i would be much happier if it was metal. been to a place near me but they dont have them and to get them in i would need to order at least 100  :o and no idea of cost. cheers

The only problem with metal is,It would rust meaning difficulty in removing.

Are you sure about the thread size? 14x1.25 is very fine for a plastic thread. Sump plugs are available in this size.
I think 14x1.5 is more the norm for brass plugs
The reason they use plastic is that it's better to strip the thread on the plug than the rad, which is easy to do on aluminium.

pricey

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Titanium-engine-sump-bolt-flange-head-bolt-drilled-M14x12mm-1-25pitch-/331477150250?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item4d2d93ea2a

Craig..that fan you fitted..I looked at size specs, and the thickness is 2.5".presume thats at the centre, so whats the thickness at the edges? Ie the measurement from the side that mounts towardthe rad . Im going to get one if itwill fit! Ive got 30mm round the edges , but theres plenty of ŕoom in the centre.

wasn't to worried about it rusting as if i needed to drain the rad i would just remove the bottom hose.

as for the thread size,thats what the guy in the shop said it was, i don't have the tools to measure it and say other wise. someone told me that's the thread on a spark plug! might just screw one of those in there.

Rod i cant measure that at  the moment, trike wouldn't start this morning so its at home  :(. hope to try and get it at lunchtime then i will measure it for you.

something seems to be draining the battery i think. have to look at a couple of earth points that i played with but after that i am a bit stuck. ??? solenoid, starter motor faulty? i know the alternators working as its new and i have metered it putting 14.5.

Ok dont worry craig, youve got enough to do! Ordered  fan same as yours today anyway.
Had a look,sorry only got taps up to 10mm.may be cheaper to take it to an engineer type place to have a thread done, if theyre that pricey to buy?

Oil sump drain plugs for some Rovers are M14 x 1.25

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-CITREON-SUMP-PLUG-WASHER-M14-X-1-25-X-13-NEW-/250731387303?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a60c159a7

300mm should do you mate. now its in place its a bit hard to measure but its about 29mm. it will fit  ;).
looks like my battery has cooked itself and i need a new one  :'( looking at a small car battery but will have to get a new box made and move it from where it is. going to stare at it now and scratch my head.

Dave you star  ;) cheers mate could not find that the other day. think i will be buying that  ;D

Got the sump plug  :D
It dont fit  :'( seems someone's measurements aren't up to scratch. With both sets of plugs side by side the thread pitch is right but the plastic one is slightly smaller in diameter. When measured with a vernier theres a 0.8 mm difference.  So the metal one is to wide to go in. Oh well will just keep an eye on it I guess. Might get it welded over sometime in the future.

Sounds like the plug should be 1/4" BSP.  0.518" dia. 19 tpi. (13.157mm dia. 1.33mm pitch)

In that case, go to your local plumbing shop and ask for a1/4"BSP Blanking plug,
It will be made from brass.

thank you both gents  ;).
have been to the plumbing shop and purchased said plug. plan to try and fit it later. will let you know how it goes.

Ive run rads with plastic drain taps, had no probs Craig.Very handy to have on a trike, especially if the rad needs to be drained prior to removal!The amount of times Ive had to pull a hose off to drain it, with a/freeze all over the place.

suppose they are useful.
got the brass one from plumbers. filed it down a bit so it was shorter and put a rubber O ring on it. fits  ;D.
took a couple of stop starts on a run with a few retightens but all seems to be good now.
couple more days with no drips and i will be able to move on and worry about something else  ::) ;D
thanks again for all your help  ;)

You plumb I told you to get one of those a fortnight ago