Thread: Radiator bust

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

Originally Posted by 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

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?

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

Steve

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.

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

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

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