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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Radiator

I have a leaking radiator in my 1979 midget 1500. I've been quoted $300-400 for a re-core however I see brand new aluminium radiators on eBay for only $220.
The aluminium ones seem to be a slightly different design to original, with different location for outlet hose. I'm assuming that I would I need new, alternate hoses?
Further, a previous owner has fitted the radiator from the earlier 1275 model so if I get the correct size/model for my car, then I probably need new hoses anyway? Maybe I should just get that size again?
Any thoughts on these eBay aluminium radiators?
S Travis

A guy I know uses one on his race car, and based on his good report I've just bought one for mine.
David Smith

Iv3 seen Both good and bad reports

I think it depends on what day there built on

i know people that got those off ebay and no issies and i know some here on this site that had some issues with the welds coming apart and in places the metal was to thin

but rad shops got them fixed and no reports of further issues that im aware

prop
prop

I think I might risk it and get the eBay aluminium radiator, just concerned about the hoses (length, shape, etc).
S Travis

The rads are not a direct fit and twke some fiddling i dont recall any issue with hose fitting problems

once you get it... i might have a rad shop give a fast go over before installing ... incase it was a monday morning or friday afternoon built rad

prop
prop

The new aluminium radiator and new rubber hoses arrived today. As it happens, I had today off work so fitted them late this afternoon. Those bolts holding the shroud are a bugger to refit.
After getting it all back together, coolant filled, quick test for leaks (all good, so far), I found that my bonnet doesn't close! It seems that the electric fan (which was also attached to the old radiator with no issues) is now preventing movement on the bonnet catch release. Looks like I'll have to undo the shroud again and adjust. Hopefully, this time it's easier to put those bolts back.
S Travis

I have fitted rivnuts to the shroud which makes refitting much easier.
Doug Plumb

Gday S
I'm very interested in the result, has it improved the cooling?? I can't drive my 1500 any temp over 30 degrees.
BTW the radiator is in VGC not the problem
Pic shows my upgrade to the electric fan set up to allow more air in. Notice that I have replaced the cable to the bonnet release with a hand lever, no more release problems.
Cheers
Rod
PS it's highly likely that your car came out of the last batch of 500 ever made, as was mine, and as such were all painted black.



R W Bowers

Hello Rod,
mine is Carmine Red, vin 226525 which I believe puts it in the last 2500 made.
Engine temp was cooler driving to and from work today but only a 20 minute drive. I'll get a better idea next weekend but we're unlikely to get too many warm days for the next 4 months.
I haven't really suffered overheating in summer since installing the electric fan (Davies Craig) and running plain demineralised water with Redline Water Wetter added (although I've bought the red oat coolant to run/trial with the aluminium radiator).
I'll keep you informed.
Steve
S Travis

Steve,

May be worth checking the manufacturers information as OAT coolant is not compatible with iron blocks.

Ref
ANTIFREEZE IN CLASSIC CARS
Advice from Federation of Britis
h Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC)

Be aware that there are also low- or no-sili
cate ethylene glycol formulations (usually
red) available which may not be suitable for all engines.

Recently, problems have been reported c
oncerning the use of antifreeze mixtures
using organic acid technology (OAT). OAT
was introduced in the mid-1990s and the
products are biodegradable, recyclable, do not contain either silicates or phosphates
and are designed to be longer lasting. However, these products do seem to cause
problems in older engines.Over and above the ability of anti freeze to find the smallest crevice and leak, OAT anti freezes have been accused of destroying seals and gaskets and causing a great deal of damage in ‘old’ engines. For this
reason, the manufacturers do not recommend
their use in historic vehicles
. These products are usually co
loured red, pink or orange.
Doug Plumb

It's been 10 days now since installation. Thankfully,
the bonnet release started returning to the correct position by itself (luckily before I removed the shroud to adjust), so that saved me a job.
The new radiator definitely runs cooler than the old one, very happy so far (although summer will be the test).
Re: OAT coolant - my understanding is that its not recommended for older cars due to the brass radiator but is fine (actually recommended) for aluminium radiators. As for seals and gaskets, mine are all quite new, so I don't foresee an issue. Hopefully I'm right...
S Travis

This thread was discussed between 06/05/2016 and 23/05/2016

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.