This is a link to a video essay by Mark the machinist on repairing the water pump/fan assembly on Malcolm's Plus 4. It's worth making a cuppa and taking a break for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdHG-BmScko

The damage, and other adventures, occurred on our 4 Mog trip from Vienna to Le Mans Classic this year. At the time I wrote a daily blog but if you missed it here it is all pulled together in one document.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GTWt0HE_p_ZUGedm7OnRvklUFsbJ4_THIf5RjRsHIjg/edit?usp=sharing

The 1956 Plus 4 was fitted with the Triumph TR2 engine and later converted to TR4 spec by the minimal change of the manifolds and the high port head allowing exhaust gas and inlet fueling to breath better.

Our 1956 has the TR4 style head and manifolds, we have an appointment with the dyno to get improved tuning, later we will fit the webber carbs but need some more info on manifold and fitting etc.

Great work on the water pump/fan mounting a true engineer, video was very useful to show the techniques.

I might have posted a link with limited access. This one should allow everyone to see the blog.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GTWt0HE_p_ZUGedm7OnRvklUFsbJ4_THIf5RjRsHIjg/edit?usp=sharing

Rob yes, this Plus 4 also has the TR4 spec. Both Mark, the machinist, and Nico work in the aviation industry and spend their spare time, well, as you see in the video....

Good work but a few questions

However why not just fit a new pump?

Also why fit an engine driven fan - a thermostatically controlled electric one would be more efficient?

Also why not convert to a narrow (more readily available? fan belt?

Arwyn

Good questions Arwyn. I shall interview the owner and report back. All the best.

It shows that they usually work on aircraft ... very thorough ... most automotive restorers/repairers are a lot more rough and ready when it comes to what is essentially a spacer 🙂

K

[quote=Arwyn Williams]Good work but a few questions

Arwyn some notes from Malcolm, the owner...

However why not just fit a new pump?

The pump was a new one but there seem to be different specifications for the pump / fan components. Purchased Alu collar/pulley assembly / pump just didn’t fit togeth[/i]er.[/i] They would have needed machining, (even though new). Mark has made considerable improvement.


Editors note (that's me) Basically Mark and Nico looked at the purchased spacer (same as the one that failed) and said, hey we can make a better one.

Also why fit an engine driven fan - a thermostatically controlled electric one would be more efficient?

T[i]here are reports of issues with 'electric fan only’ solution.. Fans draw a high current, alternator / relay needed.
[/i]
Eds note: Malcolm has fitted an electric fan but sees it as a back-up for extra cooling in very hot conditions rather than being relied upon as the only source.

Also why not convert to a narrow (more readily available? fan belt?

The narrow fan belt conversion can be difficult to set up. (says the guy who donated bits from his converted +4)
I am quite happy with the original set up. It works! ( or has done since I bought the car in 1973)


I hope that explains some of the reasons. In the end we are all groping for the solution that's best for us. [i]

The job is complete and Malcolm's '56 Plus 4 is running once more. Mark the machinist tells the second part of the story in the video linked to below. Warning: This video contains images of machining fetish, Vegemite addiction and Morgan worship.

We apologise to our non-Kiwi speakers for the lack of subtitles as we ran out of funds i.e. Vegemite and Anzac biscuits. I think you will enjoy this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwDPLTHYONM&t=3s