SM IE: problems with the cooling circuit

After a temporary repair just to bring the car to my home, I have to seriously fix the coolant leak located on the exit duct of the water pump. This duct is usually in very bad shape and its age is often the age of the car.

I have to work outside so I work on the problem when the weather allows it. Before starting fixing this problem, I discover another leak, on the front of the car, probably from the radiator. It’s a good start 😉 I choused to have a second SM instead of a DS to eventually take benefit of the parts I already prepared for the restoration of the first SM and because I begin to know quite well the SM. So I quickly apply the idea by replacing the leaking radiator by the one I had redone for the carburetor SM.

I begin by working on the ail filters. Immediate sandblast and paint, so they’ll have plenty of time to dry while I work on the other issues.

smie_150

Ugly, I told you!

smie_151

After a few hours of sandblast, finishing in my amateur painting cabin with the original AC140 gray

smie_152

Then I switch to the cooling circui

smie_153

It’s not the moment to open the air conditioning circuit, so I lay down everything the best I can

smie_154

Cooling fans are not easy to remove, but after many tentatives, I find a way to have them out

smie_155

The radiator finally goes out also. I thought I would have to remove the front grill, but fortunately, it’s not necessary

smie_156

Another sad discovery when I removed the left side cooling duct. One more part of my other SM will come to help

smie_157

The new radiator is in

smie_158

Again, cooling fans are not easy to put back

smie_159

Of course, I take the opportunity to replace the cooling ducts and their clamps

smie_160

I put back the air conditioning condenser, trying not to damage the new radiator 😉

smie_161

The new radiator is wider than the original, so I have to put spacers (I used bolts) to put back the cooling fans (they are now very close from the gearbox supporting bar)

That’s not all, I have now to deal with the little cooling duct at the exit of the water pump and also the thermostat cover that is in very bad shape.

smie_162

First issue: thermostat cover, dead

smie_163

To work on the next issue, some space has to be made

smie_164

Once the cooling manifold out, I finally see the damn cooling duct

smie_165

Second issue: water pump exiting cooling duct, dead

smie_166

Preparation of the manifold and its cover, after a little cleaning of course. The new cooling duct is made from a modern car hose, cut to fit

smie_167

The cooling manifold is back. Patience and cigarettes required to not get mad 😉

smie_168

The manifold is ready, with new gaskets and a new thermostat

smie_169

Everything is closed. I use a plastic clamp, but it’s temporary, I promise 😉

smie_170

Another new cooling duct, on the radiator, it should be ok there from now on

smie_171

I put back the air filters. It’s not a fantastic paint, but it’s clean

smie_172

Here comes the moment of truth. I turn on the engine to see if everything works

smie_173

No leaks! I waited until the cooling fans go on while filling the circuit with coolant

After these operations I went test driving the car. The cooling circuit seems ok (to be confirmed in regular driving conditions) but I confirmed two bad impressions I had when I first brought the car to my home: there is a strange noise somewhere on the front of the car and the throttle doesn’t go back correctly (or at least, the engine revolutions don’t drop as they should). There is more work to do before hoping to pass the official technical inspection.