Thread: Defender Td5 Radiator leaking

Originally Posted by landy

Hello all.

Land Rover life bites me again.
I started to replace my FPR and was supplied the wrong tin gasket so I thought I'd try and do a little preventive maintenance. So long story short my radiator is leaking. The system was holding pressure when cold but there is massive red staining at the LH end tank and the bottom RH front.
So my question is can anyone recommend a radiator supplier for a new one somewhere near Seymour Vic. An approximate cost would be good as my wife is having kittens.
Has anyone used one of the eBay ones at around $200. Or the alloy ones on eBay. I'm not so keen on eBay car parts. I think you get what you pay for.
Has anyone bought a gen Land Rover unit recently? How much?
as always, thanks in advance.

For what it is worth, I've been told several times by those who should know, that OEM LR is the safe way to go, unless you have $1K for a PWR from Qld or similar

We bought a cheaper than OEM Defender radiator from Karcraft (who stock both) back in 2010 and still going strong. Karcraft do not stock Britpart AFAIK.



Erich

I bought a flash alloy radiator from one of the best respected manufacturers in the UK for my TD5 Defender
4 years later the core started to leak they were not interested in any way
I always noted that the engine ran 2 degrees hotter with this very expensive radiator (supposedly built for the Paris Dakar)
Was quoted over $1000 to have it recored in Adelaide so went back to a standard radiator
The engine operating temp dropped 2 degrees the radiator was only $320 I can replace it every year and still be in front

Have you tried a fix?? Temporary might turn in to permanent, you never know.
My torsion damper let go earlier last year & damaged a couple of fins. A mechanic mate said to dry it out & repair with long term Araldite.
No probs since.
BTW I replaced my original radiator - before finding the issue was a viscous fan- with an Ebay job & it has been fine - apart from its damage.
.
David

It’s been fine can only be measured by time and load..

If you tow heavy when hot and it’s keeping good temp then “tick”.

If it lasts 10+ years of use that is a “tick”..

Genuine parts last in this case and worth the $300 odd

I had my radiator replaced recently with a genuine part for $344.54, Should be good for another 10 years

Have you contacted Roverlords as he should be able to supply a OEM radiator at a good price and have it to you in no time