Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Discuss anything Morris Minor related.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
Chipper
Minor Addict
Posts: 857
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:43 pm
Location: Kent
MMOC Member: No

Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by Chipper »

Does anyone know the purpose of the hole (approx. 1 cm in diameter) drilled into the radiator fan shroud (the part that is often stencilled with a warning notice about removing the radiator cap slowly)?

As depicted here:

Image
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
philthehill
Minor Maniac
Posts: 10767
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:05 pm
Location: Hampshire
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by philthehill »

It is there to make you ask the question of why it is there. :wink:

Joking apart I am certain it is the hole that is used to hang up the radiator when the radiator is being sprayed on the production line.
Last edited by philthehill on Sat Dec 29, 2018 7:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

les
Minor Maniac
Posts: 8737
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2002 12:00 am
Location: kent
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by les »

------and at last it worked!

viewsonic1
Minor Fan
Posts: 211
Joined: Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:20 am
Location: Burton on Trent
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by viewsonic1 »

To save metal?.....
simmitc
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4718
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:43 am
Location: Essex
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by simmitc »

It does not exist on all radiators - probably cheaper to not have to drill/punch/cut it out.
Chipper
Minor Addict
Posts: 857
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:43 pm
Location: Kent
MMOC Member: No

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by Chipper »

Thanks for the replies! Yes, I can see the painting hanging theory makes sense.

I have previously also found it very handy for retaining screwdrivers and bolts while working in the engine bay (not with the engine running, of course.)
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
Sleeper
Minor Legend
Posts: 1045
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 3:18 pm
Location: Manchester ( Damp and Miserable ) and that's just the wife...
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by Sleeper »

"Destined to be Issigonis’ take on a racing chassis, this unique car was the product of several years of hard work by Issigonis and his friend George Dowson. They started the build back in 1933, when Issigonis was employed at Humber in Coventry, so not far from the site of the museum. The car began life as a sketch on the wall of Issigonis’ garden shed at his house in Kenilworth – where else do all these fantastic projects begin, but in the humble garden shed? Amazingly, they set about building the car with only hand tools, with the basis being to use Austin Seven parts. The car was built around a stressed aluminium monocoque, with a plywood chassis. As you can expect, building a car in your shed has limitations, and the fully independent suspension was made from large rubber bands to save weight, and the wheels were Elektron castings. Elektron is a magnesium alloy, so making it effectively lighter than aluminum.The car was painstakingly riveted by hand, much like the construction of a Spitfire. When the funds ran low, the pair spent their time lightening the chassis by drilling holes into the car ( and radiator? ) to make it as light weight as possible, giving it the name sake, Lightweight Special. Possibly something that inspired Colin Chapman with his famous mantra, simplify and add lightness."

John :wink:
irmscher
Minor Legend
Posts: 3773
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:53 am
Location: South Manchester
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by irmscher »

The hole is to put your finger in to lift the radiator out at the end of the removal procedure :)
RobThomas
Minor Legend
Posts: 2646
Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 10:34 am
Location: Cardiff
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by RobThomas »

Screwdriver access to 803 waterpump grease point?
Cardiff, UK
JOWETTJAVELIN
Minor Legend
Posts: 2775
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:20 pm
Location: LANCASHIRE (paradise)
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

It's the ideal size to hold a spark plug when taking one out. That's how I've always seen it.
Chipper
Minor Addict
Posts: 857
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:43 pm
Location: Kent
MMOC Member: No

Re: Purpose of hole in radiator fan shroud

Post by Chipper »

Good call, must try it sometime...
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
Post Reply