Thread: Rodding P38 radiator, possible?

I had my 4.6 done. Radiator completely cleaned out. They said it was 70% blocked. Explained the over-heating etc... RadiCool was their name. Sydney. $241 for the job. Brilliant. Experts. Don't waste your time asking a Land Rover dealer. they'll want to sell you a new radiator for $800. Look 'em up.

OK I asked the question, so should update on the answer.

Yes you can get it rodded.

I took the radiator out myself. (Really stuffed that up. I tried to do it just as you would with the classic. Undo the coolers from the radiator and pull out the radiator. Only to do that you have to undo the cooler hoses and struggle with the eight bolts that hold the coolers on. When I had 7 1/2 bolts out I realised that on the P38 you DONT remove the coolers from the radiator, you remove the radiator from the coolers!! Only 2 easy bolts and its all out.)

Took it down to my local NatRad dealer and 1/2 a day and $160 later it was back in. (The easy way)

I towed my camper up Clyde Mountain yesterday, 1st and 2nd gear the whole way, (see my other post 'Dies in the bum up hills), and the temp was rock solid.

So, yes I think it is well worth doing when you have a few kms up. I've 178k on 1996 HSE.

Originally Posted by ytt105

Took it down to my local NatRad dealer and 1/2 a day and $160 later it was back in. (The easy way)

Cool, so now there's a NatRad shop in Canberra that can do a P38A... thanks for being the lab rat
Which one did you use? Now that it is warming up a bit down here, it might be prudent for me to do the same.
Cheers, Paul.

NATRAD wouldn't do mine

Intereted if you sit for say 5-10 min on one of these HOT days what happens to your temp guage. Mine rises! If i am moving no probs. Yes both the electric fans and viscous fan are good and running.

Originally Posted by PaulP38a

Cool, so now there's a NatRad shop in Canberra that can do a P38A... thanks for being the lab rat
Which one did you use? Now that it is warming up a bit down here, it might be prudent for me to do the same.
Cheers, Paul.

NatRad in Phillip did mine. No problems at all.

Mine would be fine in nearly all conditions until the outside temp went over 35 then the guage would go straight to just under the red.

Viscous is fine, I've had 3 on, (one new), and no changes. I've also wired my air con fans so that they come on when ever the air is on, not just when it gets hot.

Anyone had their rad cleaned in Perth? Yesterday I took my Rad in for a service / Clean. Was told by the 1st place I went to they cannot get the clamp plates that size so would not do it. Second shop at first said the same then on closer inspection stated they had never seen any Rad made like mine. The clamps for the tank are part of the aluminium core. They are going to have a go at it anyway, they think the clamps will close down a second time ok . Fingers crossed. Mine is the later type Rad.

Originally Posted by wayneg

The clamps for the tank are part of the aluminium core. They are going to have a go at it anyway, they think the clamps will close down a second time ok .

They're wrong. I've got a pulled apart P38A radiator in the garage.

Hope you`re right. Can the clamps be re-used? Is your rad the later type, top and bottom hose on the same side?