Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Fiat 126 Mechanical Problem Solving => Topic started by: Android 360 on January 28, 2006, 12:48:25 AM

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: Android 360 on January 28, 2006, 12:48:25 AM

just got a few q's/.

where is the radiator situated?

has anyone here run pipes to the front of the car for a front mounted radiator?

i am seriously considering a rotary conversion, and these engines run hot and need decent cooling. so i think best option would be to havew two steel pipes running the length of the car and two electric water pumps forcing it around..

also, has anyone strengthened their gearbox considerably?

cheers :)

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: paul harbinson. on January 28, 2006, 08:39:57 AM

Skoda and Hillman Imp had the rad in the front so don't see why it can't be done.Are you goin to run the pipe's inside the car?Go to www.fiatclassic.com they do lot's of nice stuff for the 126/500 like a six speed box :cool: .

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: Android 360 on January 28, 2006, 11:35:31 PM

ooh thanks, ill have a look..

i think the hoes will have to run inside the car as there is no room under!

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: hudsonhenry on January 29, 2006, 10:06:44 PM

I am in the process of fitting an 1108 fiat fire engine into my 500R (500 built on early 126 chassis. I have been working for the last couple of weeks on this very thing.

We are mounting the radiator up front on a subframe with a 10" electric fan. The pipes are routed under the car (there is a slight hump in the underside that is perfect for running pipes). we decided that flexible pipe would be best as it will take the odd knock and will not suffer from stress fractures.

The plan is to use the standard water pump and see how it copes, if it runs hot we will replace it with an electric one. I belive that rotarys run a lot hotter so an electric pump and bigger rad and fan/s might be needed.

Chris is posting a pic of the set-up so far

(http://www.fiat126.co.uk/images/Nigelrad.jpg)

Pic added by C.Lakin

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: paul harbinson. on January 30, 2006, 07:35:54 AM

Ingenious :D look's well,have you any pic's of the engine installation?

Title: Watercooled Bis cooling
Post by: The Laird on January 30, 2006, 09:36:04 AM

Hi Android, How's it in Brisbane ? I was there in 2001 for the British Lions Tour loved Port Douglas as well. I guy here hill climbs a 126 with a front radiator never seen it overheat either. He comes from Malta if I find anyone who knows him I will ask the question. I have partially modded mine due to water loss. I used hydraulic hose ( British Standard) cut the metal pipe with a hacksaw and connected with hose clips. never had a problem since and rubber doesn't rust !!
The Laird of Gozo

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: hudsonhenry on January 30, 2006, 09:38:36 AM

Quote from: "paul harbinson."

Ingenious :D look's well,have you any pic's of the engine installation?

The engine is not in yet, but is well underway, just debating wether to run on carbs for the moment and fit the MPI system later, will post more pice when I have ot a little further

Title: Q's about watercooled model
Post by: paul harbinson. on January 31, 2006, 07:41:27 AM

Keep it on the carb for now,save's a lot of head scratching.