Replacement Radiator for 300Tdi Defender?

[VladTepes]

There are numerous on ebay but it's not really clear whether they are a direct replacement for 300Tdi Defenders - even though they claim them to be. And indeed whether they are any good quality-wise.

I need a replacement radiator that is a straight swap - uses same mounts etc and doesn't need anything cut or otherwise modified.

Would prefer all alloy but will consider alloy with plastic tanks as well.

New copper rad would be well out of my budget I'm afraid (as would a recore, even if I could find someone who did them).

I'd especially like people who have purchased and installed an aftermarket rad, and had a good experience, to let me know what they got and from where. A link would be awesome too, if possible.

Thanks all :)

[travelrover]

There are numerous on ebay but it's not really clear whether they are a direct replacement for 300Tdi Defenders - even though they claim them to be. And indeed whether they are any good quality-wise.

I need a replacement radiator that is a straight swap - uses same mounts etc and doesn't need anything cut or otherwise modified.

Thanks all :)

Hi VladTepes

Richard Landy nut (search on Facebook) has two radiators ex wrecked 300Tdi’s @$120 each! He is Brisbane north side I think..

I buy plenty of stuff off him all fair value for money...

[VladTepes]

The problem with second hand radiators of that age is that in short order they'll probably need replacing anyway...

It's why I'd prefer a new one - peace of mind.

[Tombie]

The problem with second hand radiators of that age is that in short order they'll probably need replacing anyway...

It's why I'd prefer a new one - peace of mind.

If you want piece of mind buy an OEM one. Speak to Roverlord..

[travelrover]

The problem with second hand radiators of that age is that in short order they'll probably need replacing anyway...

It's why I'd prefer a new one - peace of mind.

Fair enough ;-)

[VladTepes]

If you want piece of mind buy an OEM one. Speak to Roverlord..

Their website is down, and none listed on their ebay store.
That'd be in the order of $800ish though wouldn't it ? Was really hoping to get away with less than that !

(If I save on the radiator I can buy a water temp and low coolant alarm)

[Don 130]

Have you enquired about getting yours re-cored? I think you may even be able to upgrade it at the same time.
Don.

[rick130]

Surely there's a rad shop nearby that can do a recore with a HD Redback core?

It'd be worth pricing one up, mine cost $550 4 years ago. 300Tdi radiator, rod original one or new aluminium/plastic one (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/166882-300tdi-radiator-rod-original-one-new-aluminium-plastic-one-3.html)

[VladTepes]

HD Redback core ?

[Trout]

Not exactly near you but I got mine recored with a heavy duty redback core by Ipswich Radiator works. Can’t remember the price but he charged me less than he quoted and they have a reputation for good work. I think it was around 500. He seemed to know plenty about defenders too.

[Sly]

Why would you skimp on defender cooling???

[VladTepes]

Not exactly near you but I got mine recored with a heavy duty redback core by Ipswich Radiator works. Can’t remember the price but he charged me less than he quoted and they have a reputation for good work. I think it was around 500. He seemed to know plenty about defenders too.yes that is a fair hike!
But might be worth the trip

[VladTepes]

yes that is a fair hike!
But might be worth the trip

Quote from NatRad for recore with copper/brass core

$820

ouch

[Robmacca]

I believe the old D1 Tdi300 discos and Defenders have the same radiator - I just ordered a replacement for my D1 from Paddock’s (BTP2275) for $170. Might be an option?

[DazzaTD5]

IMHO and through past experience...

*The alloy/plastic ones available are rubbish.
*The Britpart copper ones are cheaper because they are thinner, from memory they are non a/c models and are not upto extreme heat use.
*The D1 , Defender difference i thought was the outlets location is different (correct me if im wrong)

*The best solution is a re-core your copper one, i thought round $600 from a indy radiator place, or is it repairable?

[Trout]

Just found receipt for mine $627.

[200defenda]

We are running a 300tdi disco and a defender both with cheap ebay radiators plastic tanks both been in a couple years with no issues as of yet. Both have engine watch dogs fitted both run about the same temp but temp seems to drop of quicker than the original radiators. Probably because they where both pretty average also Both land rovers travel regularly on heavily corrugated dirt roads and they have held up well. I would recommend buying new rubber mounts for the radiator and for the cooling package housing either way you go because they will be perished also pays to buy some flyscreen mesh from bunnings and secure it behind your grill keeps heaps of bugs and crap out of the radiator /intercool fins

[AK83]

....
*The D1 , Defender difference i thought was the outlets location is different (correct me if im wrong)

....

Should be the same.
Main difference between D1's and defers is the frame only. Different mountings .. I only know this coz I ordered a frame from Allisport, and they sent me the wrong stuff(3 times!).
I needed D1 frame, they sent me Defer frame.
I think I have basically a whole aluminium rad/IC frame for a Defender, that I'll never use.
But both rad and IC are the same.

I'd give you some feedback on a full alloy unit off ebay, I got mine $200 about 3/4 years ago and just never got around to fitting for one reason or another .. and looks like I'll miss this summer again too.
I did have plans to fit this summer, but plans got scuttled again. Still have Feb left to try to achieve this goal.

I can give you some feedback in terms of build and quality tho. I have the assembly all together(new rad, new IC, new frame, all new rubbers).
Rad is OK. Cheap at about $250 or so nowdays on ebay. Quality of welds looks fine, that is, not really ugly, but not $1000 quality welding either.
Can see inside core and the aluminium tubing is at least 2x wider than my all copper unit currently in the car, which I'm assuming should allow better coolant flow through the rad.

Mine came slightly bent, which (as an ex courier) looked to have been whacked during transport/packing/whatever. Straightened up easy enough tho.
Mine came with a fairly useless looking aluminium screw cap too, which I'd change if it doesn't work.
So in terms of look and quality(again not fitted so no actual usage feedback) .. I reckon it'll do the job ... I have an auto D1 with AC.

Note too, I only got this as I was having heating issues when AC was on, and ambient was in the mid 30's and higher. I'd see coolant temps in the 100 sustained, unless I backed wayyy off or turned AC off.
Ac off, never had any coolant issues .. may have topped at about 85-88 even on low 40's ambient.
Turned out that the majority of the issue tho was due to not having a plastic scoop/deflector fitted(low down and in front of the rad), and mine was damaged, so I made up one out of some sheet.
Now I get low 90's on a 40°C day with AC on(instead of 100 and rising). So problem for me is kind'a sorted .. and new rad/IC/frame assembly kind'a took a back seat.

[86mud]

I've always stuck with Plastic tanks and aluminium core purchased from British Off Road. My first radiator has lasted nearly 10 years and there appears to be nothing wrong with it, but with a number a big trips planned for this year, it is getting replaced shortly.

It is worth replacing the thermostat and the viscous fan hub at the same time

[VladTepes]

Hmm I didn't think about the rubber mounts. And I recently placed an order with Paddocks for other bits. Damn.
I picked up a near new platic/alloy rad from Richard Holden for $80. Bargain. I'll put that in to keep me going and see how it goes
When I pull the old rad out will see if it's saveable for a potential recore.

Cheers all.

[tack22250]

doing a ground up rebuild on my 130 tdi got a Chinese ali radiator off ebay as experiment? guess what yeah needed modifying not major and still cheaper than all above mentioned alternatives. Rebuild has drawn out so have not tried it out yet. Mind you the Richards chassis I paid over 7K for needed work as well so you don't always get what you pay for.

[Sly]

They are waiting for the sea container from China to clear customs, then you will get your rad..... 🤔

[Sly]

Looking at the reviews posted, maybe you won't get anything ( usable that is!!!)

[spudfan]

With plastic side tanks
https://bearmach.com/radiator-intercooler-with-plastic-side-tanks-suitable-for-defender-300tdi-vehicles-esr3683r
With metal side tanks
https://bearmach.com/radiator-intercooler-with-metal-side-tanks-suitable-for-defender-300tdi-vehilces-esr3683
Radiator on it's own
https://bearmach.com/aluminium-radiator-btp2275r
https://bearmach.com/copper-radiator-suitable-for-defender-300tdi-vehicles-btp2275

[Didge]

From memory, a couple of years ago, I bought an all ally radiator off ebay for around $250 - definitely lighter than the original but works well.