UPDATE
After digesting all the input I received from this forum, and some actual mechanical testing on my part, here is what I am doing next:
I ordered Mini Mania's Aluminum radiator, Tropic six blade metal fan, and Oil cooler.
After eliminating the thermostat completely, I was able to watch the water temp climb into the red as I drove prolonged uphill runs. As I leveled off, the temp would slide down again.
I am convinced that the size of the radiator installed during the restoration was undersized for this engine. Any way, even with summer on the way out, I know something must change if I want to drive this car on local runs in the summer.
I'd rather be watching the speedo and scenery than staring at the temp gauge.
I will post after I get these pieces into place, and hope the news will be positive.

 

Ahh, a Mini. The project that keeps on taking Good luck. Let us know how the new radiator works.

Jeff

 

ahhhh...a radiator replacement project - have fun

It's on my 'wish list' too and I know it will be easier when I get around to it

here's my 79 in what MINI calls 'service mode':



about 5 minutes to take off the front end shell

 

I am going to install Mini Mania's Aluminum radiator, the six blade Tropic fan, and the oil cooler. I know this seems like an over kill, but I am convinced that the total restoration included a radiator that was intended for a smaller engine operating in a cooler climate.
I want to drive this little guy and enjoy the view instead of the temp gauge.
I'll post after I've installed the hardware.
Thanks for all the great advice.

 

Capt BJ'
What "Project" are you into?
That looks major!
Did you really only need 5 minutes to take it down to this level?
I can't imagine the fenders moving without a good fight.

 

the advantage of a plastic front clip....

I remove the bonnet via two pins and two rubber straps, then undo a multi connector for the lights, 6 screws on the arches, two near the cowl, two pins near the lic' plate and four more rubber straps. DONE. No inner fenders anymore either.

Maybe that also contributes to my lack of cooling problems....I move a lot of air past the motor. But driving in rain is a no-no!

 

Minitoy --

Since it sounds like you and I have less than optimal cooling on our Minis, I thought I'd post this. Someone suggested that I acquire a radiator shroud (not fan shroud) to fill the gap between the radiator and inner wing. I decided to build one. The idea was to not allow the heated air (exiting the radiator) to return to the engine bay. I spent just around $10 for a 10 foot roll of 10" wide aluminum flashing from the Home Depot (aka the BORG - Big Orange Retail Giant). I drew a template with some measurements and it came out great, if I do say so myself. As a bonus it was simple to attach to the radiator via the four fan shroud mounting bolts. I still have to fix a few gaps around the shroud, but that can easily be done with the left-front wheel removed.

An initial test went well. My symptoms were coolant temp climbing during idle (like at a stop light). My 45 minute driving test had good results, where the coolant never got above 190, where it typically gets to 210. That being said, it was not an apples to apples comparison since it was only about 80 degrees today (the start of fall, perhaps?).

Anyway, I'll post again once I get more mileage with the fix. Even if it helps cool the engine slightly more than without, it is still a bonus. It also dresses up the Mini under the bonnet as well.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

That is a great idea. Like my thought of how efficient the cooling air can be to the radiator when it is drug across the hot engine before it is used as a coolant. Also, as I now try to overcome the hot engine, one item at a time, I too am now dealing with outside temperatures MUCH lower than two weeks ago.
The good news though, even with cooler temps, I still see the engine temp climb to the red line on a steep pull.
I can duplicate this at any time since I live on the other side of the mountain.
My new components should ship from Mini Mania in one to two weeks.
I will post results as each device is installed.

 

Well, the radiator, fan, thermostat and oil cooler arrived. I installed the radiator and thermostat. What a chore! After attempting to install the fan, Mini Mania told me there would not be sufficient clearance with the tropical fan and the deeper aliminum radiator. They didn't mention that when I ordered it or when they shipped it to me. Then Mini Mania sent me the wrong hoses for the oil cooler. All hardware is installed and looking sweet. I cannot turn over the engine until I get the hoses installed to close the oil circuit.
So close, yet not being able to drive the little gut is like waiting for Christmas morning!
More to follow when the proper hoses are received.

 

here is a idea.....how many rows does your new radiator have? I'm runníng a highly modified 1380 and havea 3 row radiator with the 12blade plastic fan. In the summer when it hits 90 degress my engine does run a little hotter then normal as the outside temp is higher. With that being said, if your cooling system is all new and checked out to be working properly i would try to run your car earlier or later in the day as the outside temp. lowers to see if there is any difference of running temp.