QuestionQUESTION: Howard
I have a 1979 MGB Roadster,(s/n GHN5UL471903 G)I have removed the radiator to have it flushed and checked. The first thing that surprised me, was that there was no drain petcock, requiring a messy drain procedure via the bottom hose connection. I have two questions for the installation:
1. How do you add the new coolant? On North American cars, you can add to the radiator top tank. On the MGB, the pressure cap is on the expansion tank and only connected to the top tank by a small diameter hose.
2. I am installing a new temperature sending unit for the electric fans. The installation kit I have purchased is supplied by Moss through my local dealer. It includes the sending unit with grommet (542-215) and a retaining clip (542-206). Would you tell me how this is installed? Looking at the Moss catalogue (cooling system, page 17)it shows two different applications, so I am confused as to which one is correct.
ANSWER: HI John,
Yes, I agree, BLM had their head where the sun don't shine on many things and the lack of drains on many parts of MG, Triumph and Jaguar made many here think they were asleep at the wheel. Maybe they were trying to eliminate points that could leak oil and coolant as back then all British bikes and cars leaked oil. Here across the pond we all loved out British bikes and cars and just accepted the leaks. Only Jaguar owners had an excuse, as Jaguar is a kitty and everyone knows kitties mark their territory.
I have installed sending units and as I remember it just took some lube and a lot of force the put the grommet in and force the unit in and the clip on to hold the sending unit in.
I have not looked at the Moss kit so I can't comment on them. However, I think Moss has a toll free tech line and e-mail tech for their customers. You should contact them for clarification of the kits. It is probably a VIN # or commission # change in the sending unit.
Let me know how you do with it,
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Howard
Thankyou for the quick response. I understand about the leaks, I also own a 1969 BSA Thunderbolt motorcycle. I have one other request. The first question I had was on how to install new coolant as there is no access to the top radiator tank. Also, would you confirm the amount of "prestone" to use.
Thanks
John
AnswerHi John,
To fill it quicker just remove the upper hose from the head and fill it into the radiator until you can't get any more in and attach the hose and finish by filling the expansion tank. Total capacity should be 14.4 US pints. So you can figure how much antifreeze to put in first, depending on what mixture you want to use in your area. Antifreeze does not cool as well as water so I always used the least that I could get away with in my location. Unless you choose to use Propylene Glycol instead, which cools much better than water.
I hope this helps,
Howard
