09-06-2020, 10:33 AM
BMC fwd cars are a special case I feel. I think I read somewhere that Issigonis' original design layout [which had to use the A-series non-crossflow engine] called for the manifold and carburettor to be at the front, but persistent carburettor icing issues experienced with that configuration meant it then had to be reversed with the carburettor at the back and the most moisture sensitive parts of the ignition system now at the front. I doubt there would have been room in most pre-Allegro BMC engine bays to put the traditional top to bottom flow radiator anywhere other than the side which then meant using a pusher type [engine driven] fan.
With the original 'heated air straight on the engine' issue I don't see how it can be avoided so long as the radiator is at the front, with a normal north-south engine fan or not that's where its going to go. Having said that I've never looked to see how veteran Renaults manage with the radiator at the back of the engine?
I have noticed on this forum that you chaps in the UK seem to report vapour lock quite a bit, I have rarely experienced it in this country back in the carburettor days , non event now with EFI of course. Perhaps it is down to the formulation of your summer grade fuel rather than fuel system design shortcomings eccentricities?
Carburettor icing I have encountered once only, [first starts of the day, inland North Island NZ Winter, prob 1-2 deg C] but that was down to the factory water passages in the intake manifold of the vehicle being blocked by gunge.
With the original 'heated air straight on the engine' issue I don't see how it can be avoided so long as the radiator is at the front, with a normal north-south engine fan or not that's where its going to go. Having said that I've never looked to see how veteran Renaults manage with the radiator at the back of the engine?
I have noticed on this forum that you chaps in the UK seem to report vapour lock quite a bit, I have rarely experienced it in this country back in the carburettor days , non event now with EFI of course. Perhaps it is down to the formulation of your summer grade fuel rather than fuel system design shortcomings eccentricities?
Carburettor icing I have encountered once only, [first starts of the day, inland North Island NZ Winter, prob 1-2 deg C] but that was down to the factory water passages in the intake manifold of the vehicle being blocked by gunge.