300Tdi radiator, rod original one or new aluminium/plastic one

As I mentioned above, Redback make cores for trucks and HD off road gear (tractors, dozers, etc) and sell through radiator shops just like Natrad, etc.

My 'local' bloke was going to do it (my tanks and anew core) but I haven't as yet.

I couldn't afford the time off the road as I'm on call 7 days/week and SWMBO works and we only had the Patrol and 130, but as of the last couple of weeks we are now a 3 car family and I'm scaling that business back, so I have the Patrol to fall back on when the Landy is off the road now so hopefully it will be done soon.

I just got a quote here in Mackay Qld for the Redback heavy duty radiator core into a 300tdi Defender. With me removing and refitting - $726 !! vs Rick130's quote of $500. Now there's the mining tax they need to get rid of....

The guy seemed to know Land Rovers and said he would close up the bleeder hole to 3mm.

I had my radiator done a few months back (mainly insurance peace of mind)

Defender
R & R top tank, cleanout, rebuild top headerplate, reduce bleedhole size in baffle, silver solder tank, pressure test, dry and paint = $161

They indicated it was probably 30% blocked, which I didn't consider too bad after 15 years, core itself was in pretty good nick.

Martyn

Stay with original,trust me on this.The plastic tanked Taiwan specials rads aren't worth a piece of crap,done three in the past 8 months,all were also running OAT,Rick ;),our cummins powered gennies haven't been touched running Glycol.OEM defender rads are top quality rads and none of you should skimp here,a new head or complete motor is going to cost you alot more. Pat

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Originally Posted by Bushie

I had my radiator done a few months back (mainly insurance peace of mind)

Defender
R & R top tank, cleanout, rebuild top headerplate, reduce bleedhole size in baffle, silver solder tank, pressure test, dry and paint = $161

They indicated it was probably 30% blocked, which I didn't consider too bad after 15 years, core itself was in pretty good nick.

Martyn

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You can see where I'm comming from here,I aways harp on about the cooling system in Tdi's but how cheap is it to get them right,$161 it's nothing. Pat

I appreciate some people can have it cleaned for less than $200, but I can't find anywhere that will do it for anything like that inner Melbourne. I paid to have it done about 12 months ago (over $500 including removal/refit from vehicle), but at that price I would rather buy a new radiator. I'm considering the purchase soon as I can push it just over 100*C on a big freeway hill - not towing, medium load, 2 people - I'm thinking that's a bit high?

Based on the comments in this thread, I'm keen for a straight swap, new copper unit. Any recommendation on where I can get one for an OK price?

Do you agree over 100* is new radiator time?

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Originally Posted by danialan

I just got a quote here in Mackay Qld for the Redback heavy duty radiator core into a 300tdi Defender. With me removing and refitting - $726 !! vs Rick130's quote of $500. Now there's the mining tax they need to get rid of....

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That's about on par with what I ended up paying here in Brisbane for the Adrad equivalent to the Redback, and taking into account that I didn't remove and refit myself (if you know what I mean :().

James.

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Originally Posted by Judo

I appreciate some people can have it cleaned for less than $200, but I can't find anywhere that will do it for anything like that inner Melbourne. I paid to have it done about 12 months ago (over $500 including removal/refit from vehicle), but at that price I would rather buy a new radiator. I'm considering the purchase soon as I can push it just over 100*C on a big freeway hill - not towing, medium load, 2 people - I'm thinking that's a bit high?

Based on the comments in this thread, I'm keen for a straight swap, new copper unit. Any recommendation on where I can get one for an OK price?

Do you agree over 100* is new radiator time?

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Umm, before that, actually. If you're not too sure about it now, don't wait until you start giving your engine headaches.

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Originally Posted by PAT303

You can see where I'm comming from here,I aways harp on about the cooling system in Tdi's but how cheap is it to get them right,$161 it's nothing. Pat

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That was one of them jobs that lead on from another job :D

Had the timing belt done, but couldn't replace coolant for a few days as I was waiting for new bottom hose. When it came I then thought "maybe I should drop the radiator out and get it cleaned"

You know one of them never ending/escalating Landy jobs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PAT303

Stay with original,trust me on this.The plastic tanked Taiwan specials rads aren't worth a piece of crap,done three in the past 8 months,all were also running OAT,Rick ;),our cummins powered gennies haven't been touched running Glycol.OEM defender rads are top quality rads and none of you should skimp here,a new head or complete motor is going to cost you alot more. Pat

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More than likely stray current killing them considering how good Defender earths are.
No coolant will protect against that. ;)

Cummins PG Platinum coolant these days mate. Cheap and available :D