General Oil Cooler probs

[peterfirecat]

Hi Guys

New to the form - hope someone can help.

I have an Uno turbo engine installed in a kit car. Engine is fab. Only problem is that one of the pipes to the oil cooler has been rubbing and will need replacing. I gather that they're gonna be hard to get hold of and, as the oil cooler is now 22 years old, am happy to replace the oil cooler and pipes.

My question is - does anyone know where I can get hold of some oil hose adaptors that will fit with the standard banjo bolts? If these can't be sourced, what options are available? Do I have to replace the sandwich plate? If so, how do I go about getting the old one off?

Thanks in anticipation

Peter

 

[Louie Bee]

Welcome Peter

The Sandwich plate comes off if you remove the central bolt which the oil filter screws onto. I wouldn't know what plate you'd replace it with.

Are you sure it's the standard Uno pipes your car uses (not moded ones)?

Try asking Fiat if they have part number 7551179 (lower pipe on sandwich plate) and / or 7570354 (upper pipe on plate)

If not I have a spare standard set of oil cooler feed and return pipes which seem in good condition

Or you could have new pipes made up elsewhere perhaps using the existing banjo and compression connections . One of my Unos has a braded set I suspect have been made up in this way.

Any pics of the firecat?

 

[alexGS]

I always thought the Firecat had the FIRE engine - yours must be a fiery Firecat!

On a related note but not necessarily of any help to this problem - I needed new oil cooler hoses for my Uno Turbo a few months back. I got a hydraulic hose specialist to make them up using standard size hose and new connector tails brazed to the original fittings. This was pretty expensive ($380 - over 130 pounds) but was the only option considering that hose was not available to suit the original fittings.

I don't know who the appropriate contact is for hydraulic hose specialists in the UK - over here, they come around in a big van (more like a truck) packed with tools and fittings. They usually repair farm equipment!

The sandwich plate has a thermostatic bypass valve and therefore, you probably want to retain it.

-Alex

 

[peterfirecat]

Thanks for replies so far - doesn't sound as if its going to be as easy as I had hoped . Thanks for the tip about the oil stat too - unless someone comes out with a better idea, its looking like joining the original Banjo and a stub of the hose to a new section of hose.

There was an earlier version of the car based on the FIRE engine (or maybe even the Panda) - attached is a pic of the car - deffo a head turner.

Peter

 

[Louie Bee]

Easiest and probs the cheapest way would be to buy my spare set

 

[EssexUno]

There was an earlier version of the car based on the FIRE engine (or maybe even the Panda) - attached is a pic of the car - deffo a head turner.

Peter

That looks like a mix of an Mx-5 and a Fiat Barchetta lolz

 

[alexGS]

I like it (the styling), quite svelte considering the need to accomodate a FWD power-pack. I wonder how the weight compares to a standard Uno Turbo? The Turbo is the heaviest of the Uno models: 895kg for Mk1, something over 900 (945?) for Mk2.

As for the hoses, sounds like the best idea is to PM (private-message) Louie, then

~Alex

 

[peterfirecat]

I've never weighed the car but I think that the manufacturers spec quotes the weight at about 120-130kg (20 stone in old money) lighter than the basic uno Turbo - its a nice looking car that can shift when asked (did have a waste gate controller in there but it scared the willies out of me!)

 

[Chas Uno]

I've never weighed the car but I think that the manufacturers spec quotes the weight at about 120-130kg (20 stone in old money)

Is your car made of anti-matter????!!!! That's motorcycle weight you're talking here!!!!

 

[peterfirecat]

It is very light you'd be amazed how much things weigh when you take them out - back seats, doors, tailgate, roof etc - quite easy to take 20 stone off the raw car.

Have found 22mm banjos so should be able to make up replacement hoses - they're not right anlge ones so may not be suitable for standard car but looks like they should fit mine just fine.

Thanks for everyones help. Next job is to fit new thermostat housing - they're tough to find too

Peter

 

[alexGS]

Mk1 Uno 70 (S, SX) replacement thermostat will do the job if you drill and tap a hole for the coolant temperature sensor. Saves a lot of money compared to the price of the genuine Uno Turbo thermostat

~Alex

 

[peterfirecat]

Just what I did thanks - Valeo still make a pattern part - bargain at £25