Anyone out there know the CFM rating of the p/s fan? In putting a screen in front of it, what's a safe reduction in air current and still keep things cool enough? Anybody had experience in this? The mesh I'm looking into would probably have about a 25% reduction.

 

Why not just spend $130.00 and get the whole skid plate which protects the PS fan and preserves the whole plastic housing as well plus the whole underside of the engine compartment. Heres a link to the skid plate:

http://www.mossmini.com/cgi-bin/db2w...t?PlateID=5444

 

>> Why not just spend $130.00 and get the whole skid plate ....<<

Pretty much because the idea of stump-jumping doesn't appeal to me :smile:

 

The screen fix is interesting, but what if a foreign object gets in from above and then is trapped in the fan blades because the screen is holding it in? The last time I had my MINI up on the ramps I had a look see and it seemed to me that something could get in from the top side. Now, I know this is a remote chance but still...............

 

>>>> Why not just spend $130.00 and get the whole skid plate ....<<
>>
>>Pretty much because the idea of stump-jumping doesn't appeal to me :smile:


Just trying to be helpfull!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I had a screen put on my 03 MCS even though it's my understanding that the PS fan and cooling fans are no longer on the same fuse. Sorry I have no picture but it's a pretty open mesh, something like 1/4". I didn't want the extra weight or cost.

 

>>>Just trying to be helpfull!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <<<<<

I know that. And it's appreciated. :smile: That's the only way this forum can be successful by everyone putting their 2 cents in! Keep it up and happy motoring.

 

So they fix the darn problem ...well sort of...... I guess all of us who got the 02 mini model have both the cooling fan and p/s fan running on the same fuse......but is there really that many people getting things stuck in their p/s fan or is it just a few of us ??

 

I've been on the Owner's Lounge forum on the MUNIUSA.com site quite a bit. On the Owner Operated Assistance thread there is a series of posts by "HANKSHANKER" on what he thought was a malfunctioning A/C unit that kept overheating his MINI. Turned out he had something stuck in the p/s fan that blew the fuse for the radiator fan too. (As noted above MINI seems to have changed the wiring to address PART of the problem). Here is a link to one of the threads, but you'll need to make an account and go in through the MINIUSA.COM site to get to it Overheating: Might Be Infectious.

_________________
-=0=- Mike

 

This is what I came up with.

wiremesh cut to size and 4 sheet metal screws.
_________________
03 B/W S model; Madness intake; Cibie 45 lamps; Magnaflow and X-pel kit on the way

 

That's a nice mod. How did you attach the wire mesh?
I had a '68 Spitfire when I was in High School... talk about low to the ground.
Not much power but a lot of fun in the corners...the rear suspension was tricky.


retroom

 

Here's a couple more pics of this thing:
:smile:

 

Thanks. Great pictures!! :smile:

retroom

 

Thanks! The only thing I wonder about is the mes I used won't cut down on the CFM of the fan to make it inefficient. I'll keep an eye on it. If it looks like it's affecting the cooling, I'll opt for a larger mesh. I hate R&D on a new mod! :???:

 

Good point. I thinks it's coarse enough so it won't effect the flow rate too much.
Do you think bulging the mesh more would make a difference?

retroom

 

Personally, I'll wait to put a skip plate or screen on until the warranty is over. If the motor blows or blades get broken off... not my problem for the next 3 1/2 years.

 

>>Do you think bulging the mesh more would make a difference?<<

That's an interesting point. There is room to do it. I may try that if this proves it needs more area. I do like the smaller mesh for the application.

>> Personally, I'll wait to put a skip plate or screen on until the warranty is over. If the motor blows or blades get broken off... not my problem for the next 3 1/2 years.<<

I'm just trying to come up with simple solutions to avoid using the warranty....and being Mini-less while repairs are being made.

 

>>>> Why not just spend $130.00 and get the whole skid plate ....<<
>>
>>Pretty much because the idea of stump-jumping doesn't appeal to me :smile:
COOOLLLL!!! I respored a '73-'74 Spitfire and drove it for 9 years after without 1 breakdown or no-start. What a great car. Now however I drive my '99 miata past them and wondered how I stayed alive in such a small/underpowered thing!?!

I'm with you on the fan screen though.

 

Excellent idea I like this thread. I don't like the skid plate idea! The heavy gauge mesh looks like a winner. Cooper and S will receive this mod this weekend. Thanks gents


Griswold how do you like the girly car???

 

Short term update....been running around town the last few days. No problems with the screen. I'm going on a 2 hour highway drive Monday. If all's well after that, I'll say this is good to go.

Griswold, yeah, those 1500 Spit's were sad, powerwise (only about 54 hp). The best were the '69 and early 70 models with the 1296 motor with dual SU's and higher compression. They put out about 72 hp, which wasn't bad in a car that light. Sadly, they couldn't meet the emission standard's for '71, so they lowered compression and mounted that single Stromberg.

 

I had a '68 Spit with dual SU's. It was only 1 year old when I bought it. It was really quite reliable.

retroom

 

>>Short term update....been running around town the last few days. No problems with the screen. I'm going on a 2 hour highway drive Monday. If all's well after that, I'll say this is good to go.
>>

The real test will occur if the power steering pump fails. Will MINI honor the warranty, or will they claim that your mod caused the problem?

I like the mod personally.

Ron

 

>>The real test will occur if the power steering pump fails. Will MINI honor the warranty, or will they claim that your mod caused the problem?

I like the mod personally.<<

That, Ron, is the ultimate question. :???: In driving around in stop and go traffic it would seem to me that if the mesh were restricting too much air, I'd be hearing the fan cutting on alot more. So far, this hasn't been the case. I'll get the Mini mechanics opinion when I hit the dealership on Monday for the strut bolt change. If he feels the mesh is too tight for the proper air flow, I'll switch to a coarser one.

 

>>>> Why not just spend $130.00 and get the whole skid plate ....<<
>>
>>Pretty much because the idea of stump-jumping doesn't appeal to me :smile:


Your idea for the wire mesh and its application is very impressive. A real professional looking job. It certainly looks like it would protect against stones and other debris. It also seems to me that a plastic bag or even a sheet of old newspaper would suck up to that mesh like Saran Wrap around a ham sandwich. :smile: :smile: Please don't think i'm trying to find fault with your idea. It's a very good one, but I think the spare $129.70 would also go a long way towards piece of mind in that the skid plate would be the complete solution. :smile: :smile:

For What Its Worth

Keep Motorin'

Dan

 

>>Personally, I'll wait to put a skip plate or screen on until the warranty is over. If the motor blows or blades get broken off... not my problem for the next 3 1/2 years.

I don't think the warranty would cover a road hazzard such as a stone or plastic bag causing the fan to stop functioning.