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Radiator removal for better access to water pump & pulley damper?

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K

kggucker

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Trying to remove the water pump for replacement due to seal leak as well as possible replacement of pulley damper on a 1969 MG Midget Mk3 w/1275 engine.
I thought removal of the radiator would give better access to water pump bolts & fan/pulley, but (2) lower bolts on radiator look near impossible to access due to placement of steering shaft cross member?
Any ideas to assist with these issues?
Thanks in advance.
Kurt
 
Kurt - welcome to BCF.

Question: are those bolts tough to reach because worn engine mounts have let the engine sink down and prevent bolt access?

Tom M.
 
Engine mounts appear solid & in good shape overall.
The 2 bolts behind the water pump pulley are an engineering nightmare for removal access. The 2 bolts by the generator were easy removal.
The 2 bolts on underside of the radiator up behind the steering rack & pinion don’t have very good access.
Also, heard if I am replacing pulley/damper while in this project, may need to loosen engine & tranny mounts to move engine aft slightly to allow clearance in front of damper pulley from crossmember frame in front of pulley/damper?
 
Kurt: Old, retired mechanic here. It is pretty much standard fare to remove the radiator on most any front engine car to replace the water pump. You are going to have to drain the cooling system and refill it anyhow. Make it easy on yourself and get that radiator out of the way first. Access just is what it is in these small cars. ...J.D.
 
Wire-Wheels said:
Kurt: Old, retired mechanic here. It is pretty much standard fare to remove the radiator on most any front engine car to replace the water pump. You are going to have to drain the cooling system and refill it anyhow. Make it easy on yourself and get that radiator out of the way first. Access just is what it is in these small cars. ...J.D.
Click to expand...
K, thanks.
Was able to get generator & grille & radiator & water pump out yesterday.
Need to do some clean up today & prep for new parts install that are arriving today from moss.
Damper pulley replacement should be fun. Ugggh, can’t believe they didn’t design enough room in forward crossmember/frame for better access & have to loosen engine & tranny mounts & jackup engine a couple inches.
Oh well, guess that’s the British getting even at us for 1776.
Hah:smile:
 
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