Radiator bust

[Pete38]

My radiator decided to vent some steam yesterday but thankfully at someone's house so it can rest until I get round to the surgery.

It appears to be pushing out on the top between the plastic whatchamacallit and the core.

So I'm assuming there is a seal/gasket between them and the top header (???) and clamped on by those metal clip looking things.

Can the clips be pulled off and the top header removed to just replace the gasket? And fitted in the car using tools at home?

When i pulled the small hose in the top, the plastic nipple broke easily (degraded) so I'm thinking its time to replace the top part.

[TheTree]

Hi mate

The tanks can be removed an replaced, but by the sound of it you might be better off thinking about replacing the entire radiator

Steve

[Pete38]

Hi mate

The tanks can be removed an replaced, but by the sound of it you might be better off thinking about replacing the entire radiator

Steve

Why you say that Steve? Is that because the bottom might need replacing as well?

Assuming to do the bottom will mean the radiator comes out then.

Do the cores themselves normally have problems?

[TheTree]

Hi

from what I have heard the resealing is not always successful but it's worth a try for sure!

Once you get the tank off you will be able to see what shape the core is in as well.

Removing the radiator is not hard and it will probably make the tank resealing a little easier, plus you can check the bottom tank at the same time

Depending on the age of the rad, it seems that often when the tanks start to go the core is getting a bit sad as well.

Hopefully you will be able to reseal the tank and motor on :p

Steve

[PeterH]

I agree with Steve, while you probably can repair, it sounds like the radiator might be getting past it's best.
You don't want it giving out on you at the worst possible moment, I had a similar problem a while back and just replaced it for piece of mind, you don't want to overheat it.
One thing to consider, there may be a pinhole leak in a head gasket allowing exhaust gasses to enter the cooling system, causing pressure to build up in the system, which can cause symptoms like this, specially if the radiator is getting old.
It would be hard to check with the radiator not holding pressure, but when you do get it sorted, and all the air bled out of the system, have a look at the coolant entering the expansion tank for any bubbles entering with the coolant.
I hope it's not that in your case, but worth a look to rule it out.

[Pete38]

I agree. I dont want to cut corners and it fail in me in a time of need.

Any suggestions of places to get one? Looks like I'm up for 300 dollars plus

[Pete38]

I agree with Steve, while you probably can repair, it sounds like the radiator might be getting past it's best.
You don't want it giving out on you at the worst possible moment, I had a similar problem a while back and just replaced it for piece of mind, you don't want to overheat it.
One thing to consider, there may be a pinhole leak in a head gasket allowing exhaust gasses to enter the cooling system, causing pressure to build up in the system, which can cause symptoms like this, specially if the radiator is getting old.
It would be hard to check with the radiator not holding pressure, but when you do get it sorted, and all the air bled out of the system, have a look at the coolant entering the expansion tank for any bubbles entering with the coolant.
I hope it's not that in your case, but worth a look to rule it out.

The thought of a cracked head or gasket did run through my mind. It doesn't pressurise and leak until its running for a bit and temp never hit anywhere but the middle of the dial. ..so I'm in hope

[Pete38]

And wouldn't the cap on the system let the pressure out before the the radiator burst? I hope I'm not wrong

[daf11e]

Pete I had an issue with overheating back in Nov 2013 whereby I replaced the majority of the cooling system.....at the time I thought it looks pretty original, 13 years old so better off. The radiator looked very good from the outside but when I got into it , it was totally shot inside. My main issue at the time was the thermostat which was replaced with everything else. I guess what I am trying to say is had I replaced the thermostat only , I was still driving a time bomb as the rad wouldn't have lasted another month.....check all and do it once.
Also JFYI I purchased my radiator at the time from Radiators 121 on eBay I think they are Sydney based and it was just under $300 delivered. Don't know much about rads but it has done the job ok the last 1 and half years...and a piece of cake to install.

Good Luck

[PeterH]

You would think the cap would let the pressure out, but from personal experience, the pressure will come out in other areas of the cooling system.
I had coolant hoses weeping at the ends, radiator started leaking from the seams along the top tank and also the heater core started leaking.
I also had a faulty thermostat which probably compounded the problem.
I had visible bubbles going into the expansion tank, which was the big giveaway of head gasket problems.
As soon as the gasket was fixed, the problems went away, the cooling system has been fine for 2 years now.....touch wood!

[PeterH]

I meant to add, if you repair/change the radiator, when you refill the coolant, make sure you properly bleed all the air out of the cooling system following the rave manual.
I didn't get all the air out once and had severe overheating very quickly.
Once you get the air out, and running well, you will be able to investigate any possible gasket issue.
I'm hoping it's just the radiator!
Cheers, Pete.

[finallyrangie]

I took my old radiator in to get it cleaned out and the core turned out to be in worse shape than the old plastic parts, for what it costs to be sure it's worth getting a new one imho.

Hope that's all it is.

[Pete38]

So some ads seem to appear for all years, but others say 95-98/99 and 99-02. Are there any differences between the Gems and Thor? Will I need a late model one for my 00? I'm thinking I will, and the ads covering all years might be wrong??

[daf11e]

Mine was advertised 95 - 02 and I stated top hose on drivers side....fit just fine in my 00.

[TheTree]

So some ads seem to appear for all years, but others say 95-98/99 and 99-02. Are there any differences between the Gems and Thor? Will I need a late model one for my 00? I'm thinking I will, and the ads covering all years might be wrong??

The GEMS models have the top outlet on the passenger side and the THOR models have it on the drivers side.

Steve

[Pete38]

The GEMS models have the top outlet on the passenger side and the THOR models have it on the drivers side.

Steve

Thanks. I managed to do some detective work and came to that conclusion.

It appears they range form just under $300 and typically go up to $350. I know some places sell them for more.

But what I am unsure about is if there are any differences and how to tell. I'm not convinced price tag always means quality, but I am reluctant going a cheapy as I want the car to be reliable when out bush.

There was an ad for a "nissens" one on there for $355 that attracted me as it stated it was genuine. Only thing is I have never heard of the brand so it may just be clever advertising to suck me into thinking it was a reputable brand.

Edit: Appears most people swear by them. But there were people saying to stay clear but they all seem to date back to 2006 so maybe just a bad batch. At least I know what I am getting I guess and mostly good feedback. Tempted.

[TheTree]

Pete

If you can fit it in your budget I would say to go for the Aussie Desert Cooler Radiator but you are looking at about twice the money.

Steve

[Pete38]

Pete

If you can fit it in your budget I would say to go for the Aussie Desert Cooler Radiator but you are looking at about twice the money.

Steve

Well I decided to go an in betweener for the radiator and bought the "Nissen's" one. Perfect fit and the biggest challenge was lining the bottom bolt holes up to the mm.

I will be looking at replacing hoses for sure.

No bubbles or loss of coolant so looks like it was purely the radiator.

Edit: Yes I know the hoses should have been done at the same time to save dropping the coolant but it's not hard to catch the coolant and put it back in. All the hoses seem easily accessible with the radiator in.

[TheTree]

Good one Pete, all ready for summer now :D

Steve