TR2/3/3A Radiator removal ?? electric fan vs original

[Jerry]

Group,

Can you get the radiator out if the original fan is not in the way. The car has an electric fan. IE: without removing the bonnet? (TR3)

Jerry

 

[Geo Hahn]

I have heard if this but never tried it - possibly removal of the thermostat housing or better yet the head would also help.

But really, unless the wings are welded or Bondo'ed to the apron I would think removal of the apron is the way to go. I dreaded it for years but was finally forced by a broken timing chain tensioner and in the end it was 'no big deal'.

 

[TR3driver]

Ditto on what Geo said. By the time you hassle with the cross tube, water pump and cylinder head; it's gotta be easier to pull the apron.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Agreed, unless you are a sucker for punishment. Pull the apron. Only way I've ever seen it done was PO pulled head, then pulled radiator as after thought.
Marv

 

[Jerry]

Thanks group. I will point the museum people to this post so they can see that there is no easy way.

 

[titanic]

Yes, it can be done (easier if the original fan has been removed) I used this technique because of the risk of dinging the paint by removing the apron. Probably, no time saved, but it is an option. https://www.mossmotors.com/forum/forums/thread/10979.aspx
This was gleaned from a Moss tech tip. I don't remember it taking anywhere near the stated time.
Berry

 

[Geo Hahn]

If they do remove the apron & radiator - there are possibly some other tasks worth considering 'while you're in there'.

Motor mounts, timing chain tensioner and changing the lower radiator bolts to be captive and pointing up (like a TR4) all come to mind.

 

[TR3driver]

Plus of course anything you want to do to the steering box.