Up for a new radiator

[POD]

I removed the top shroud today to check the belt and idlers (2008 Puma 130), to my horror I found that the shroud has rubbed through one of the tubes of the radiator about half-way down on the left-hand side. There's evidence of a pinhole, with red staining from the coolant.:( More expense that I don't need as I prepare for our trip north in 8 weeks.
Has anyone else had this happen? The edge of the shroud is in close contact with the radiator core pretty much all the way up & down both sides, not surprising that it has rubbed through really. Will have to find a way to ensure it does not happen again.
Also, does anyone have any experience with a cost-effective upgraded radiator? Haven't had any problems with coolant temp in our recent hot summer, but if I have to replace it anyway, might be worth looking for an improvement.

[BilboBoggles]

I had this happen on a TD5 defender nearly 10 years ago!.. The TD5 has a very similar radiator and shroud setup. When the radiator was replaced, the mechanic cut down the shroud a little, and that radiator has survived nearly 200,000k's since.

[Brid]

Yes, the little plastic spacer missing somehow. I fixed with epoxy metal a it was such a tiny hole. That was about 100,000 ago and still going fine. I used the o rings from oil changes, looped through the bottom radiator slots, as I thought this was more secure than the factory spacers. Bit crude I know, but effective.

[Gerokent]

I have been running my 2007 Puma for about 60, 000km without a shroud at all, no probs. A new copper radiator with built in electric fans are on the drawing board :)

[DeanoH]

Hi POD,

If it's a copper cored radiator with brass tanks it's an easy fix, remove the radiator, cut out the bottom inch or so of damaged tube and solder over the hole in the tanks. Or if you're really keen, remove top and bottom tanks, clean out tubes and solder over damaged tube ends inside the tanks. Either way good as new.

If it's an aluminium radiator replace it as it's unrepairable. Sure you can bog up the damage but it will never be as good as new.

This is why people replace aluminium radiators with copper ones, because they can be repaired.

Do you really need a 'weak' radiator or the worry of knowing you have a sub standard cooling system ?

Deano :)