Replacement Radiator

[DrummieDave]

Hi There,

I'm after some radiator advice. The crimp seal has gone on my bongo radiator so it needs replacing.

I've read that you are best off getting a genuine item as they tend to do a better job of cooling than a 3rd party part. (?)

But, I've seen a few on eBay new for around £115 inc postage and they say they do as good a job etc as an original part.

My van has just done 100K and I'm wanting to do a good value fix. I've spent a lot on her over the past 6 months.

Does anyone know if these 3rd party radiators are ok? Or have a recommended 3rd party supplier? I'm trying to save some cash here!!

It needs a service so I'm going to buy the part and get it fitted when it's having the fluids changed anyway.

Cheers,

Dave.

[mikexgough]

I got mine here...... it's O.E Factory quality and fitted perfect

[the janner vanner]

when you own a Bongo you don't have any spare cash. Because of the age of the vehicle I wouldn't compromise

[DrummieDave]

so very true! haha,
Thanks. Think I've found a good company through a fellow local bongo user.
D.

[Barrington]

I would go with that mike, these rads are good and pete the guy that owns this shop is a mate of mine and reasures me that they are a good rad, i got one a few weeks ago not had any issues with high temps,

I got mine here...... it's O.E Factory quality and fitted perfect

[mikexgough]

I would go with that mike, these rads are good and pete the guy that owns this shop is a mate of mine and reasures me that they are a good rad i got one a few weeks ago not had any issues with high temps,

I agree, these are sound radiators, in fact the engine fans hardly run at all and for the engine temp ,it runs midway (12 o'clock) on the mason modded gauge....in normal use....

For me I tend to use parts that the makers use.....
for example Citroen use Bendix for brakes and Valeo for coil packs etc......so instead of "pukka" Citroen boxed parts I buy the O.E supplied parts that the manufacturers buy.
I Just got a Denso fan switch (wasn't sure mine was okay so I changed it anyway as I didn't know the history of the part so rather than remove and test....replace) you will find that the Pukka Mazda packaged sensor is indeed a Denso made and supplied unit and these are cheaper sourced from Germany....

[nfn]

I used the same supplier as mikexgough -- the radiator looks almost identical to the OEM one. While you've got the system open, it's a good idea to check carefully for cracked, swollen, hardened or chafed hoses, plus change the thermostat.

My Mason-adjusted temp gauge used to stay at about the 1 o'clock position in gentle normal driving before the radiator and stat change -- now it rides between 11 and 12 o'clock. I'm pleased to see a difference in running temperature. Haven't done a hard run yet.

[DrummieDave]

Great, I'll go with one of those. Iain from up here (Yorkshire) recommended a place that quoted £178inc VAT and delivery but every £ counts!

We're going to change the radiator on Saturday. I'll also order a new radiator. All the pipes I've inspeced look in pretty good condition. We've done over 8k since buying her in May so I think we've been pretty lucky on the running side. She did West Yorkshire - Switzerland - Italy - France - Switzerland - Home (2300miles) on 2 RADWELDS!

Just gotta get that stuff out of the system now. Horrid stuff but did give us our holiday. We actually only went through 3 - 4 litres of fluids.

Anyone got any opinions on timing belt service issues and water pumps? Should the water pump be done when the timing belt is changed as standard practice? Or is there a telltale noise that lets you know the waterpump is on it's way out?

Cheers

Dave.