Hi !

I am new on the forum and I have an Austin Healey 3000 MKI BT7.

I had a 6 blade plastic fan, however it hurts the radiator and I do not know why. After the engine has stopped by himself, the fan blade was no more in the radiator (but the radiator had a circular impact). The radiator, the engine and the fan blade do not move, so I do not understand why the fan blade has hurted the radiator.
So, I have replaced the plastic one with the old (original) 4 blade metal fan. Now, the engine start again.

I am in France and I would like to know if a 6 blade fan should be used or if the 4 blade fan is ok ?
I would like to know if somebody can explain how the blades can hurt the radiator (knowing the engine, the radiator and the fan are well fixed.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

If you're not overheating in traffic with the original four (4) blade fan, then you should just stick to it.

I suspect that your "tie-rod" that connects from the bottom of the transmission to the crossmember either just needs to be tightened, or needs new bushes and tightening. Obviously, the fan got close to the radiator somehow...

... the fan wasn't installed backwards, was it?

In addition to what Randy said, cutting through the air may bend the plastic blades, forcing them towards the radiator.

Thank you Randy and Greg for responding so quickly !

About the fan blade installation, I think it was well installed (I have checked in books).

Randy, sorry, I think it is very easy for you but I have difficulties understanding the "tie-rod that connects from the bottom of the transmission to the crossmember". Which transmission, the transmission to the rear wheels ? What is the crossmember (I did not find translation) ?

Greg, about the air that may bend the plastic blades it is what I think (the plastic blades are loose), but I do not understand how the air can cut through ?

Have a nice day !

The transmission is the gearbox. The tierod is at the back of the gearbox. The crossmember is a part of the frame or chassis. The tierod and it's associated parts are shown on this page as items 26 through 32.

http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=28886

Items 26 and 30 may need to be replaced. The tierod keeps the engine from moving forward when braking.

Marv J

Thank you Marv !

Ok I understand, I will check if the items needs to be replaced.

Hello AutoAnglaise,

Here's a photo of the tierod.
Cheers, Roger

roger, great photo as usual, some might consider this overkill but on my own healeys i drill through the end of the threaded rod behind the double nuts and insert a cotter pin, ive seen too many of them missing all together.

Hi !

Thank you for the picture !

The engine motor mounts seem ok.
I will order for new bush for the tie rod.

I did not checked the tie rod yet, however I think the nut could be missing because I notice that several nuts were not correctly screwed on.

This is a new car and I have to check more things before using it again. I am listing parts I need. So thank you very much for the help about the fan.

A nylock would work in lieu of a cotterpin.

Ok Greg, I will do that ;-)

The tie rod bushes usually get oil on them and don't last all that long. Here's an alternative:

http://www.tomsimport.com/new/parts/parts.asp?sect=2&new=1

Great people to deal with.

gregw, yes ive used them as well but every time you need to take it apart you godda go looking for the dang key!

Not PADLOCK! Maybe a combo is what you need.

Hi !

I have made a photo of the tie rod (below). Unlike Roger's picture (above), mine does not have the two nuts. Do you think it is the reason ?

(I will change the rubber bushes of the tie bar and tie pin bar).

Thanks.

Hello AutoAnglaise,

Your photo shows you do have two nuts on the end of the tierod.
Roger

Hi Roger,

Thank you for replying. Do you think it is the reason the fan blade damaged the radiator ?
Of course I will add the two nuts, however I would like to know why the radiator has been damaged.

Thank you.

I think you mean you are missing the two BOLTS for the transmission (gearbox) mounts.
Also, what does the other end of the stabilizer look like? Are the bushings at the other end in good shape?

You are in the best position to decide what caused your problem. You just need to understand how the system is supposed to work. The missing bolts for the gearbox mount could be a partial cause, but most of the work of holding the gearbox/engine back is done by the stabilizer. The stabilizer has bushings which can soften from being soaked with oil. There also is adjustment of the stabilizer rod. Next, there is the engine mounts to look at to see if they are in place and in good condition. Lastly, is there enough clearance between the fan and the radiator?

Thank you Tim.
The engine mounts are good. No problem with the fan blade and radiator fixation.

So I think the missing bolts + damaged bushes (for the tie bar and tie pin bar) are the reason. So thank you everybody.