Radiator for Series 2

[Warb]

At some point in its life the fan has hit the radiator of the S2 I'm working on (rotten engine mounts), and not wishing to tempt fate I've decided to replace it. The only radiators that I can find state that they fit the Series 2A, and in some cases specify 1968 onwards.

For example, the 577609 radiator (not mentioned in my old parts book) is described in most places as fitting the S2A, but Craddocks specify 1968 onwards for this unit.

What are the differences? Given the correct choice of hose, and possibly the addition of an expansion bottle, will a 577609 radiator fit a Series 2?

[drifter]

I pulled the old rotten radiator out of my S2a and replaced it with one from <vendor name deleted>.

It was a learning curve :o

The old one was, I think, 4-core. The replacement was 3-core - quite a lot thinner.

As a result, the radiator hoses didn't fit (I had to buy Series 3 hoses which did fit) and the fan shroud was so far back (away from the engine) it made contact with the fan and I was very limited in where I could actually fit the shroud - so I removed it.

Apart from that, it fitted well into the front panel - all bits lined up and screws just fitted straight in.

Just my 0.02c

[JDNSW]

I think the only difference is the earlier radiator has the overflow pipe going down the side, where the later one has just a stub. There may be a different angle on the bottom hose fitting, but if so a different hose will correct this.

The Series 3 radiator, has a narrower top tank, and most are thinner, but will otherwise fit, but you will have to use the S3 hoses.

I would be inclined to look at getting the original one recored - probably cost (a lot) more, but be a more satisfactory result, although any of the radiators should cool adequately if in good condition.

I would be inclined to fit the (optional) stay from the gearbox to the crossmember to prevent future damage. It would be simple to fabricate the equivalent if you can't find one.

John

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Original (UK) spec radiators were 3 row, with the ambient temps in Australia Australian build SII and SIIa Land Rovers had diesel spec (or tropical) 4 row radiators.

If planning to use a Land Rover in the bush in Oz I would caution against fitting a 3 row core.

Other differences were the top tanks, the SIII domed type is more durable as the larger capacity rectangular top tanks had a reputation of cracking around the indentations.

[VK3UTE]

I pulled the old rotten radiator out of my S2a and replaced it with one from <vendor name deleted>.

It was a learning curve :o

The old one was, I think, 4-core. The replacement was 3-core - quite a lot thinner.

As a result, the radiator hoses didn't fit (I had to buy Series 3 hoses which did fit) and the fan shroud was so far back (away from the engine) it made contact with the fan and I was very limited in where I could actually fit the shroud - so I removed it.

Apart from that, it fitted well into the front panel - all bits lined up and screws just fitted straight in.

Just my 0.02c
I also fitted one from <vendor name deleted> and had exactly the same issues, although the price was good and I couldn't find a 4 core large tank radiator new anywhere.

[Warb]

Thanks for the above replies, they give me something to work with.

I apologise for the delay in posting my thanks, I've just enjoyed a few days in hospital with pneumonia (my wife now feels guilty that she called it "man flu"!), which will probably slow down my plans for a little while....

[stevep]

I have the same issue but I thought that the series 3 ones don't look right. I want it to look like a series 2 with the flat top. Just can't seem to find any & recoreing (spelling!!) the old one maybe is not practical as the tanks are probably stuffed.

regards
Steve

[JDNSW]

I have the same issue but I thought that the series 3 ones don't look right. I want it to look like a series 2 with the flat top. Just can't seem to find any & recoreing (spelling!!) the old one maybe is not practical as the tanks are probably stuffed.

regards
Steve

Tanks are likely to be OK, or at least repairable by any competent radiator place that is prepared to do so. They are made out of pretty thick brass.

John