Info needed: Morris C8 radiator

[pauldavies]

Checked the temp when the rad blew and it was only 140 which isn't running temp, on these old vehicles is 160. I have stripped out the assembly and cleaned and honed everything, I reassembled and screwed the ring past the 9/16 mark then applied the sealant which worked very well on the previous go and screwed the ring back up till on the 9/16. This makes the rubber seal and funnel seal that much cleaner and sealant only on the threaded part. Will give a day to get the sealant to set then give it another go.
Spring isn't the best I feel.
Paul

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by pauldavies

Spring isn't the best I feel.
Paul

. In theory if the spring is weaker than is specified, it will release pressure before it should do i.e. at a lower psi . Yes try replacing the spring .

[pauldavies]

Yes Mike I will give the C8 another run possibly Wednesday and if no luck then I will be appealing to the MLU for new old stock spring, filler funnel and a rubber seal, I have been on ebay for some spark plug rubber caps and have repaired my exhaust box. They make these exhausts out of soft steel these days as I bent the joins with my fingers, when all is right I will replace with stainless.
Regards
Paul

[pauldavies]

Had for a run in the C8 and yes it blew out the coolant again, as soon as it started I stopped and let it cool off filled up and got home. A major setback so I am on the lookout for a new spring, filler tube and rubber seal. I have contacted Wheels & Tracks who seem the most likely but no reply yet, if anyone has these items I would be pleased to pay for them.
Paul

[Mike K]

That's bad luck . Must be frustrating for you each time it plays up like that.

To be honest you will have to experiment with a replacement spring from somewhere that is close to the original specifications. Rolf Ask in Norway had a container load of Morris NOS stuff , mostly 4 cyl. but. where it all ended up is anybody's guess. He had new radiators and even a NOS engine block plus many other items, all ex Norwegian Govt. stock .

NOS parts for these Morris trucks are very thin on the ground just about non-existant. The CMP guys don't know how lucky they are !

[pauldavies]

Mike more than frustrating but sort of get used to it, been in touch with a couple of sources but nothing yet. Maybe try one of the spring makers if I get blanked out as there are a few of them that do individual springs, I was going to take the C8 up to Bundy for our MJCQ club weekend next week but the Austin champ will do nicely.
Regards and will let you know of any success.
Paul

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Paul,
I have found some info regarding the Air-Lock filler as fitted to your Morris, and Bedford QL. It is not a pressurised radiator. There is no overflow tube as in some radiators. To quote:
"To prevent dilution of antifreeze caused by careless topping up, an 'Air-Lock' type radiator filler is fitted. This filler incorporates a spring loaded valve in the filler tube which permits steam to escape through relief holes in the cap, no overflow pipe being used. The filler cap must screwed right home to open the air lock valve in the filler."

I had similar problems a few years back on the QL and was not filling the rad more than in the past, but I did find the thermostat was stuck open and wondered if it had been playing up and sticking shut as well. Water would blow out and coolant temp was normal, it would then stop blowing out and run normal until it would happen again for no reason. I changed the thermostat and stripped and cleaned the Air-Lock, did find the adjusted ring depth was not correct, so reset it. Watch that you are not overfilling the rad.

regards, Richard