Putting bits on my new engine ready to go in. Put fan onto pulley and it is catching the breather on the timing chain cover, when I put the rad on I think the breather might be in the way. Is there suppose to be a spacer or something
There are a number of different spacers that can be used if needed.
As I recall, 998’s use one standard spacer, 1275’s use two. My '92 1275 cooper SPi has 2. The extra one is to clear the breather.
There were many combinations of spacers, radiator cowlings and the bottom brackets to achieve all the clearances needed not only from the Oil Separator but also from the Harmonic Damper and also the body cowling (when they fitted them).
All I remember was the thin 2-3mm metal one and the 5-8mm cast alloy one.
Or as we often did a pile of washers on each bolt as needed.
Just one other thing before fitting spacers etc, more so if the fan is a metal blader, but even if plastic, check that the fan is still flat.
Does the breather have a flat side? If it has a totally cylindrical separator it’ll catch as it’s for a Metro etc. with no fan to catch.
Looks like the mini one. I think someone took a hammer to the breather before to clear the fan as it has a big dent in it. I will buy a few spacers then thanks
Illustrated parts list here showing possible spacers
http://www.minispares.com/catalogues/classic/Classic~Mechanical~Parts~Manual/Engine/Water~Pump~and~thermostat~-~Pre~1996~Not~MPI.aspx?2~12~113
Also ensure fan is on the right way round
Like Spider says, check the fan is flat before you go forking out. Put it on a flat surface, if it is bowed put a sheet of wet and dry on same flat surface, rub, rub, rub.
