radiator advice

[Sith]

My wife called today as I am still stuck on site , the drama appears to be the radiator on our 1997 300tdi is dripping green tears ...

so my questions are :

My radiator was rebuilt approx 12 months ago , and she has decided to weep green tears from the top area running down the fins pooling where the shroud fits and drips out .
I wanted to know if anyone can recommend a good shop to take it to in WA
I want advise on either an other rebuild ... or recore , or new altogether .
I would dearly love an aluminum one ... but want to get it sorted out WITHOUT LOSING a kidney ;)

Aguy on Gumtree has a set up inc intercooler but wants $2300 :eek::eek: but love the look of his set up

thanks in advance

[wozapinin]

desert coolers will build a newy for around $600 plus freight.:D

[Sith]

I can buy a standard copper newey for around $380 delivered ...
I had a Sahara Radiator in my old RR 3.9 that was ali years ago 5 core and that was brilliant ... hence the affection for them .

[tomisawesome]

i have used O'connor radiators a couple of times, guy was very honest. first time was just a simple service for my escort radiator, the second time a re-core for my landcruiser radiator, and i know my mate who works at a truck joint around the corner use him for all their big truck stuff.

have also used Vic Park radiators, and a mate who is a mechanic swears by Abotts.

[LSD_AUTOMOTIVE]

Annoyed, Sith. My go to guy would have been able to help you out. Sorry to hear you've got more trouble! Let me know if we can help

[Sith]

Thanks so much Sera , i know where you are so i didnt want to impose ;)

Most online prices vary between $350-$440 ....
Yeah lots has been done to rectify the previous owners "adventureous " undertakings ....
The radiator has been rebuilt twice now when the head was taken off by 2 different mechs and it is weeping out ...

[ade]

I just bought one from john craddocks for my 300tdi for 257$ aud delivered,i must say not many wife would notice such a leak until the steam was pouring fom under the bonnet

[Sith]

my wife rebuilt her Charger 265 Hemi back in the day :p and can set points on our daughters EH :p:p

[Allan]

Express Radiators, I seem to remember in Welshpool, did a fantastic rad for my old Di when we put the 4.6 in. Not a hint of trouble in any conditions.

Allan

[Sith]

one guy is advertising " rebuilt better for Aussie conditions"

would love to know what he does ... his prices are astronomical :eek: esp for copper and brass

[Sith]

Just a heads up if you need to rebuild your radiator .... just recieved this email from a guy who specializes in Landrover radiators :

As you probably know these are a two way, cross flow radiator which means the hot water runs across, down then back to the same side,

which is a good idea as it means the water spends more time in the radiator and air stream.

However as they were built predominantly for the colder climates of the UK and Europe,

they have incorporated a bypass in the baffle ( seperation plate ) to allow some water to bypass the finned area when frozen, so that there is a small amount of coolant flow

until the finned area has thawed.

Here in Aust. we don't have much of a problem with freezing, and the last thing we want is an alternate path due to partial blockage or any other issue that will allow any

coolant to bypass the core. We want all of the coolant to flow the long way round all of the time.

The single biggest problem these engines have is overheating, no other problem comes close.

If you want to see what I'm talking about, remove the top plug of your current radiator and shine a small torch straight down and you will see the hole in the baffle.

My radiators have that hole soldered closed, preventing any bypassing.

.................................................. .................................................. ............................


So this looks to be the way to go and the price is right ;)

Now just need to finish this swing and get home

[Dusty1111]

Who is this business? I'm in Freo, so close to you if he is nearby as I'm interested in having mine done before summer.

[Sith]

All Cool Radiators Rockingham

He isn't the cheapest but from what 3 different people have told me and after his email he sounds the goods .

More than happy to help you if you need a lift when i get back .
My wife and son in law removed it yesterday .... so see how things go ...
it seems like I am on the never ending swing , every week its this Thursday , now next Thursday [tonguewink]

[PAT303]

It's been posted many times to block the baffle,unless you live in Tassie.Remember you have to now keep on top of it cleaning wise or it will boil without you knowing. Pat

[Sith]

Thanks Pat , I want one of those inline filters next ...Tefba .
there are a few on flee bay , will check out Veale see if they have them