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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Radiator Removal

I need to remove the radiator from the TF to work on the water pump and (since it also needs it) the dynamo. The working space is tight as the engine has been moved forwards to accommodate the 5 speed gear box.

Is it better/necessary to first remove the horns to access the nuts under the radiator, or is there another way which I haven't yet recognised?
Ian Bowers

Ian,

I managed to undo (and subsequently tighten) the 2 nuts for the radiator without removing the horns. Space is tight above the steering rack and you have to approach with a smallish spanner from the engine direction. Calm patience needed - but not nearly as much as putting it all back in the car later! Those coolant hoses are a real pain to fit.

Cheers,

Neil.
1955 MG TF1500 (with Hi-Gear 5 speed conversion)
N D Wallace

Hi Ian,
It makes life easier if you remove the thermostat housing from the head as a unit. It saves you having to juggle the two "Y" piece hoses into place when refitting.
I was told that they put the TF water pump on the line and then built the car around it.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

The pump can be changed without removing the rad,,, but it's much more difficult than changing it on a TD.

SPW
Steve Wincze

Many thanks for the helpful comments, today is definitely greasy hand and arm day, it is due to rain anyway so what better to do.

The radiator needs to come off since, by using the 5 speed gear box, the engine is moved forwards (I think by around 1in) and that restricts the working space horribly.
Ian Bowers

Steve
HOW is the water pump to be removed without removing the radiator? I have managed to loosen the fan blade bolts, but there is not room to REMOVE those bolts withou damage to the radiator.....that I can manage so far.
Cheers,
Frank
Frank Bice

Yeah Stave, what Frank said. Tell us! I have a leak at my water pump that I'd lime to fix, but removing the radiator is just not worth it yet for the amount of water loss.

Alex
Alex Waugh

Alex,
I managed to wiggle all for fan blade bolts out, by deflecting a couple of rad fins enough to to work the bolts out.....one at a time, rotating the fan so as to put each bolt in the 12 o'clock position, thus using the same delected fins each bolt. Wasn't easy, and I can only hope that getting them back in will be "as easy". Had to order a $40 set of Whitworth spanners from British Tool & Fastener to get the 5/16"W size needed for the 4 WP bolts. Waiting.......
Cheers, Frank
Frank Bice

Since the subject has been resurrected(!) it is confession time: in the end I was totally defeated by the radiator nuts, even with the car on a lift. I got it done by the local mg specialists: a bit on the expensive side but at least it is done and the pump (a new style 6 blade version) doing its job perfectly.
Ian Bowers

This thread was discussed between 03/10/2014 and 13/04/2015

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.