Cooling - Controlling water temperature

The introduction of the Cooper S proved to be a testing time for the Mini’s systems, but conveniently provide a guideline as to what the standard cooling system was capable of - that used on the ‘S’ was marginal to say the least!

It wasn’t uncommon for many S’s to spew water from their overflow pipes when ever it was doing anything other than a steady 70 miles an hour, over-heating eventually caused through water loss. Perhaps some deductions can be made from the following…

There are a number of elements involved in controlling water temperature. Some confusion over what to sort first when over-heating occurs leads to wasted time and money, and possibly terminal engine damage. Maximum power is usually generated from A-series engines at 70 – 75 degrees C (160 to 170 degrees F). The main problem with this on a road car is the oil’s unlikely to get hot enough for maximum performance – the results outlined previously.

MS82 Right Hand Petrol Tank - Fitting Kit Instructions

Fitting kit instructions for MS82 Right Hand Petrol Tank

1. 21A2183 Right hand tank (NOT PART OF KIT)
2. 14A7057 Tank neck grommet
3. 21A1329 Tank stand
4. 2A2226 Tank strap upper...

GS130273 Internal Bonnet Release Kit

The cable bracket is made to fit universally and will replace the original bracket as tacked in on the latest Minis. The funny looking tag, which points to the heater, is used on later cars to hold a relay and the single bolthole faces the front. This bracket should be fitted about 3" back from the lower padded rail of the parcel shelf and 5-6" from the R/H door seal. Ensure the choice of bolt holes in the cable bracket lines up with metal on the parcel shelf as latest vehicles have gaps (visible from underneath) and the plastic cloth of the parcel shelf would tear.

CZH3521 DIE CAST PLINTH FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

CZH3521 DIE CAST PLINTH FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

1) Drill two 6.5mm holes in the door skin at 55mm centres (N.B. Ensure that the screws will not foul the window mechanism or glass)

2) Locate the plastic grommet bosses fully into the drilled holes ensuring that the grommet is flush with the door skin.

3) Locate the die-cast plinth on the gromrnet and secure using the two coarse threaded self-tapping screws provided.

4) Locate the plastic fixing plate on the plinth and secure using the two fine threaded self-tapping screw's provided.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - History in the making

Having built one Cooper ‘S’ for Timo Makinen to use in Historic Rallying, in which he won two International Rallies, I decided to build another one with more power and less weight than the previous one.

One lesson I learnt the hard way building the first car, was that a reliable source of new parts with in-built quality, especially where obsolete parts were being remanufactured, was essential. Mini Spares of London...

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - History in the making

Having built one Cooper ‘S’ for Timo Makinen to use in Historic Rallying, in which he won two International Rallies, I decided to build another one with more power and less weight than the previous one.

One lesson I learnt the hard way building the first car, was that a reliable source of new parts with in-built quality, especially where obsolete parts were being remanufactured, was essential. Mini Spares of London...