Hi all I just want to pick a few brains if I may. I am fitting a freshly fully rebuilt 998cc into my rossa build and have a new radiator from a 1.3 maestro to fit, would 22mm copper pipe be sufficient to run through the tunnel, I also have two electric fans mounted in a metal shroud from a ford I think that fit like a glove.

Hi Baxter,
I think the Rad in my Coupe is a Metro item, If not big enough I have a 1.8 Golf rad that has worked with my 1.4 on Webbers engine, I'm using 1" bore pipe which is the same size as the pump/thermostat/ rad outlets, if you use 22mm you will have to use reducers to make your connections, even with your small engine it's a good idea not to have any restriction in the system, even Minis were known to overheat
John

Do you think this will be adequate in 25mm inside diameter. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auto-Silicone ... 4d243edfc6

Better - I'm using 1" bore thin wall stainless pipe with bends supplied by JJC Race & Rally
John

Cheers John I will look them up tomorrow.

Or ally 1 inch tubes, that is what I run down the tunnel.

Neil

I've gone 15mm ally, cars not on the road yet so hopefully be ok!

That is what I wanted to fit but could not find any except a very thick wall and I had the stainless at work
John

What would be the result of using too large diameter pipe? I used 28mm ID aluminium in the tunnel because that is the size of the thermostat and Metro radiator outlets on my 1275 and I'm wondering if it's too big. On hot days the temperature gauge just climbs and climbs and I have to use the override switch to keep the fan running all the time. Even then it's on a knife edge. Bearing in mind that probably less than a third of the rad is actually exposed directly to the air flow I'm wondering if the coolant is passing through it too quickly to lose enough heat. Also, the engine bay gets extremely hot and could do with some air being ducted to it so I'm looking for some way to do that without letting water in ( the Mk1 Rossa doesn't have the extraction holes behind the carb ) and ideally I would like to cut some more air holes in the front but the number plate is in the way and we're not allowed to stick it on the bonnet nowadays Thanks.

Hi Raymond,
I doubt your 28mm pipe is the cause of your overheating, the bigger pipe will not increase your flow rate, that's dependent on your pump flow rate, which could be restricted if you had a too small pipe
Try and improve air flow through the radiator and engine bay, on my old Cox I had used ducted air in and out of the rad and never had water temp problems with a very "warm" big bore "S" engine on 45 Webbers.
John

Thanks John, that makes perfect sense. It's always useful to have somebody else's opinion. Time for the hole saw, I think

My Libra's had no comments at MOT time (yet)

Lucky you! The couple next door to me are both in the police ........

I had issues and a caution yonks ago using stick on number plates on minis and my old Cox, back then the law stated only that it should be firmly affixed and on a reasonably flat surface, so I argued my case and never had any problems again
You need to know what is the letter of the law not some plods interpretation
John

Unfortunately, the regs now state that it should be fixed to a vertical surface and be legible from specified angles so no recessed ones allowed either. All to do with their ******* 'safety ' cameras, I suppose. Big Brother is watching you..............