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TR4/4A TR4/4A Radiator Pipe

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CinneaghTR

CinneaghTR

Jedi Warrior
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Okay, got the new hoses, figured out the bend in the radiator pipe is toward the bottom, and have test fit everything. I either get a rub from the lower steering coupling or the steering rack mount. Is there a trick to getting the pipe lined up without touching anything? I fastened the top hose connection to the water pump housing and put antiseize on the pipe and hoses so I can slide everything back and forth until I get it right.

Doughairfield shared his experience the other week and I have his thread for reference, too.

Thanks!! (and I still plan to follow up on all the other loose ends I've been asking you guys about...)
 
Sometimes the hoses supplied are too long and have to be cut down. I don't have a 4A, but I have to take about 1/2" off of the lower hose where it fits onto the radiator to get everything lined up.
 
Hi Jeremy,

I replaced all my cooling hoses two years ago and, unfortunately, I don't recall any issues fitting them. Wish I could be of more assistance.

Bob
 
TR3driver said:
Sometimes the hoses supplied are too long and have to be cut down. I don't have a 4A, but I have to take about 1/2" off of the lower hose where it fits onto the radiator to get everything lined up.
Click to expand...

What, the hoses don't fit straight from the packaging?! :wink: I'll look into that. I think my problem is that the pipe was in upside down and rubbing on the steering coupling so I could not just replicate what I found. :wall:

Thanks, guys!
 
I know the rub. It cannot safely be eliminated IMO unless you use a good nylon tie and "pull" the pipe toward the engine and away from the steering coupling. That is easily done by getting under the front end and wrapping a good long tie (I use two) around both the pipe and the slanted vertical frame support for the steering rack.

I didn't make this up. I've seen the same safety precaution on numerous TR4s.

Good luck.
 
What an afternoon...I got the pipe angled around thanks to Doug, but I can't get that bottom hose to fit!! This is what it looks like without the bottom hose:
 

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Jeremy,

Didn't you mention in your first post that the bend in the pipe needs to go at the bottom so it angles toward the radiator outlet? Your pictures seem to look like it's straight at the bottom.

The workshop manual's drawing seems to show the bend at the bottom as well. I might be able to go check mine tomorrow to confirm.

Scott
 
Actually, Doug shared that he figured out that the bend in the pipe faces the steering coupling to get around it. That plus the distance from the timing cover you get by putting the long part of the intermediate hose on the water pump housing works great and runs the pipe down without touching anything.

I couldn't get the bottom hose to fit with the bottom of the pipe pointing toward the radiator, either.
 
Jeremy,

I checked both of my TR4A's and the bend in the metal pipe is on the bottom under the steering rack mount for both. This is vaguely ringing a bell that I had difficulties working this out as well but forgive me that I don't recall the details as that was 25+ years ago!

Try starting with the bottom hose on the radiator and work your way back up the other direction toward the water pump and see if going in that direction helps in getting it fitted. Although that bottom hose could go on 2 ways I believe the long side goes toward the radiator. Sorry, I only had about 5 minutes to glance at both before I had to get back home. If there are any more details I can get you tomorrow let me know.

I will note that on the TR4A that I restored and converted to the TR6 lower metal coupling (also needs lower column section too), there is lots of room since that coupling is smaller than the rubber one and the metal pipe is pretty well centered under the steering rack bracket. On the unrestored TR4A, the metal pipe is much closer to the side of the steering rack bracket that's toward the center of the car in order to give the clearance you need for the rubber coupling. I definitely plan on converting the second TR4A to the metal coupling as well! One less rubber part to wear out and more space in that area.

Scott
 
HerronScott said:
Try starting with the bottom hose on the radiator and work your way back up the other direction toward the water pump and see if going in that direction helps in getting it fitted. Although that bottom hose could go on 2 ways I believe the long side goes toward the radiator.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Scott!!! My Dad suggested starting from the bottom up, too, so thanks for the confirmation.

Please don't make a special trip, but if you could take a look at the angles for the hoses, especially at the bottom that would be a big help.

I am going to print your message out and take it to the shop this morning. I sincerely appreciate your help.

Best,
Jeremy
 
Jeremy,

So what was the final configuration and how is the clearance between the metal pipe and your rubber coupling?

Scott
 
Okay, I finally uploaded this picture. Notice how the bend in the pipe goes away from the steering coupling? One extra tip that I could add is to start from the bottom and work yourself up toward the water pump housing not the other way around.

Thanks guys for your input on this. The steering column is free (now, where is that rebuild kit?) and the car is running way, way, cooler.
 

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Jeremy,

Hey good to see the picture! Thanks for sharing.

It looks like your fan is one of the TR3 (and TR4?) fans with rounded blades versus the squared off blades.

Scott
 
Ah, I didn't look carefully enough!

Scott
 
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