Reliant Rebel 700 1967 Workshop Manual page 20

Start the engine and run until normal working temperature is
attained. This will remove air locks from the system.
Replace the filler cap.
Water leaks
Run the engine to normal operating temperature to allow the system
to pressurise.
Thoroughly inspect all hose connections for tightness and security.
In the event of the cooling system having been disturbed, i.e. cylinder
head gasket being renewed or water pump / radiator replaced, it is
recommended that a "Barseal" pellet (part No 9946) be introduced to
the system.
New gaskets must always be used and all fixings tightened to the
correct torque to prevent possible ingress of coolant to the oil system.
Radiator
The radiator, secured to the chassis at the front of the engine
compartment, consists of an upper and lower tank connected by a
matrix. An overflow pipe drains surplus coolant to the road should the
system be over filled.
To remove (Figures 2 & 3)
1. Drain the cooling system as has been previously described.
2. Slacken the hose clips and disconnect the hoses from the
water pump and the thermostat housing.
3. Remove the two 5/16" UNF nuts at the bottom of the
radiator (early models) or the four 5/16" UNF bolts on later
cars.
4. The radiator can now be lifted clear and withdrawn from
the engine compartment.
5. Disconnect the radiator hoses and check carefully for
perishing, cracking or damage. Replace them if necessary.
6. Replace in reverse order and refill the cooling system as has
been described earlier in this section.
The water pump
The water pump is mounted on the forward face of the cylinder block
and comprises a cast iron impellor mounted on a spindle with a seal
and thrower. The seal, bearing against the impellor, prevents leaks
around the spindle. The coolant inlet is on the right of the pump body.
A fabricated pulley is pressed on to the front of the spindle to which is
bolted a fan, either two or four bladed depending on engine size.
(figures 4 & 5)
To remove
1. Drain the cooling system and remove the radiator.
2. Slacken the upper and lower dynamo/alternator fixing
bolts.
3. Pivot the dynamo/generator towards the engine and
remove the fan belt.
4. Slacken the hose clips and remove the heater and bypass
hoses.
5. Remove four 5/16" UNF nuts and washers and withdraw
the pump assembly from the studs on the cylinder block.
Dismantling the water pump
1. Unscrew the four ¼" UNF bolts and remove the fan from
the pump pulley.
2. Using a suitable extractor, remove the pulley from the
pump spindle.
3. Release the spindle locating wire clip and press out the
spindle from the pump body, complete with impellor, seal
and thrower disc.
4. Again using a suitable extractor, remove the impellor from
the spindle, followed by the seal and thrower disc.
5. Examine all components for wear and replace any that are
necessary.
To reassemble
1. Position the seal and thrower disc on to the spindle
followed by the impellor. Press the impellor firmly on to the
spindle with a replacer tool.
2. Refit the spindle assembly to the pump body ensuring it is
fully pressed in to position.
3. Note: When reassembling, allow 0.64-0.81mm (0.025-
0.032in) clearance between the impellor blades and the
pump housing.
4. Refit the pump spindle locating spring clip.
5. Press the pulley on to the pump spindle and replace the fan
with the four ¼"UNF bolts and washers.
To replace
1. Clean the sealing faces of both pump and cylinder block and
fit a new gasket.
2. Fit the pump assembly over the studs and refit the nuts and
lock washers, tightening to a torque of 1.66-2.07 kg/m (12-
15 lb/ft).
3. Reconnect the heater and bypass hoses.
4. Refit fan belt and adjust tension (see following text).
5. Refit radiator and connect hoses. Refill the cooling system
and test for leaks.
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