KIMI 2 - 1983 Series 2

[Casey]

After refitting the bumper I decided to check all the sidelights and indicators were operating OK as I had disconnected and cleaned up the connectors. Whilst doing that I noted one of the rear numberplate lamps was not working. As predicted, it wasn't the bulb, but a badly rusted/corroded bayonet holder - the centre pin connector was really bad.

I've dismantled the holder (easy job with a Dremel) and plan to "re-core" the electrical bayonet bit so I can re-use the plastic bit to ensure a good fit and external OEM look as possible

[DKWW2000]

Good to see you are applying the 7 "P"s Army Training Principle.................Prior Planning & Performance Prevents Piss Poor Performance..... ..

[Casey]

LOL

I always thought it was, "Poor Planning & Permanently Pissed Produces Poor Performance"

[DKWW2000]

LOL

I always thought it was, "Poor Planning & Permanently Pissed Produces Poor Performance"

Both are appropriate In hindsight perhaps yours is more apt

[Casey]

Nearly there!

Oil cooler in, bumper and valance panel back on, engine run up to temp and no leaks. Oil cooler thermostat operational

Just made a new bracket to replace the manky old one that secured the bottom centre of the "aerofoil" vane panel.





I am concerned whether, in stationary traffic, my electric radiator fan is man enough for the job. I have a shedload of 12 volt computer fans lying around, so decided one would fit neatly just by the oil cooler inlet/outlet. Wired in to the rad thermostat. Maybe it will help, maybe not, but thought I'd give it a try, and it's tucked neatly out of the way (pic taken before I'd secured the wiring neatly!



I can't believe Mazda used metal staples to hold together the wheelarch liner to some front plastics! most had rusted away so, although no pics, I've replaced them with modern plastic push fittings.



I'm out to the International Athletics meeting at Olympic Park tomorrow (Sunday), so I'll do a test drive on Monday to check all is well, prior to the drive down to Beaulieu next weekens.

It also means I can clear the garage bay to get my RX-8 in for a check over on Monday prior to a trackday at Snetterton on Tuesday

[danny]

as now, in the picture, the fan has no use. It only cools the piece of the radiator on which it is mounted. You must have a guide for the air around the entire radiator. several fans will therefore be needed. It is better to place 1 or 2 larger ones. check if they blow or suck air!

[Casey]

Hi Danny. I'm aware of the limitations but considered that some cooling of one area was better than nothing, at zero cost in parts. The series 2 rad fan shroud does not allow me to place any more fans without cutting the shroud, which I'm reluctant to do. The shroud does cover 75% of the oil cooler, but my current electric rad fan needs to be larger for this to work efficiently. A rad fan upgrade might be my next step.

The fan has flow markings on the casing, and it's wired up correctly and I've physically checked it.

I did consider putting a row of fans on the front of the cooler, but the ARB is in the way and I don't think the fans would survive long with direct exposure to the elements.

I plan to be driving about 500 miles next weekend, when ambient temps are forecast for high 20's , so the setup will get a fair pasting

Prior to the oil cooler rebuild my car would be fine in crawling traffic up to about 25 ambient. It'll be interesting to see how she copes now.

[Casey]

After some testing in this extreme heat (30+ ambient here the last few days) I'm not happy my cooling solution is adequate, so a 16" SPAL fan arrived today

I used the SPAL data sheet to see if this should theoretically fit before ordering and I've now tested the fit by placing the fan in position and all seems OK. Once I've constructed some brackets, I should be able to enclose it inside the OEM shroud (see pic below), which will help appearance and airflow. The shroud and fan will produce some significant airflow through the oil cooler, which my current 12" does not, so I think this should be more than adequate to keep engine temps in check.



Also now "re-cored" one of my rear numberplate rusty lamp holders:

[ian65]

that's a nice fan, I might go for one of those when I do my TII conversion... I'm undecided whether or not to keep the MR2 fans on mine, they keep the temp rock solid but are quite heavy.... a single 16" might be a better option, which controller are you using?

[Casey]

I'm using the cheap and cheerful "bulb/expansion" type thermostat. Not so neat to see, but it works superbly.

Like this one

s-l640.jpg (38.16 KiB) Viewed 3034 times

Installed in KIMI 2:


Not as neat as the Davies-Craig thermistor types, but it does the job well enough