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radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 5:56 pm
by Mattsonics
I have developed a rad leak from the top of the unit - never seen this before.

water seems oily - but only very slightly.

is this likely to be a complete rad replacement?

Couldn't find similar enough previous thread to answer this Q


matt

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:29 pm
by Doone
If the radiator itself is leaking, then the complete rad is replaced, and a leak at the top is not unusual. If you're replacing it yourself, this post by Harry should help:
I did the job myself in about 3 hours..no problems...just a screwdriver and a couple of 10mm spanners.

1. Remove air ducting above radiator (2 push clips)

2. Remove the fan assembly frame and tie it back loosely with a bit of string to keep it out of the way

You can now easily reach down the back of the rad

3. Undo all the other bolts holding the rad in place

4. Remove the air ducting under the radiator (5 bolts...4 under and one reached from above down gap behind rad).

5. Undo large bottom hose and push it up out of the way to minimise coolant loss from engine

6. Undo small hoses and block ends so as not to lose too much gearbox oil

7 remove rad cap and all other hoses

8. lift out rad and replace with new one not forgetting to transfer any rubber bits.

9 Reverse stages 7 to 1

10 Top up coolant and bleed engine via pipe under passenger seat with engine running

11 Check gearbox oil (under drivers seat with engine running and gears in 'park')

Hope I've got it right from memory....good luck

H

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:34 pm
by Mattsonics
Thanks a lot

Do you mean Harry from Grange?

If so I might ask him to help!

Matt

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:40 pm
by Doone

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:58 pm
by Mattsonics
Yes Ta - PMd

Matt

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 9:21 pm
by Harry
=D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>
Matt is in the same Rescue Team as me...but he knows how technical I am so he'd never normally think of asking for my help....small world innit!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Hopefully sorted.

H :lol:

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 10:04 pm
by Harry
Rad change took 1hr 45min including bleeding with Matt doing the grafting and me supervising :^o (well sorta between ciggies).

3 mile test run seemed ok so Matt despatched on 14 mile run home with fingers and everything else crossed. [-o< [-o< [-o< [-o<

Havn't had a distress call YET.

H 8)

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 10:12 pm
by Doone
=D> That's good news.

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:27 pm
by Mattsonics
Big thanks to Harry!! =D>

Seems totally stable two days on - amazing what a difference having a pressurized coolant system makes!

Been to 85mph up a hill, with no noticeable rise in temperature - wouldn't normally do this - but couldn't resist testing!


Matt

Re: radiator leak

Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:29 pm
by missfixit70
Nice one, you have to test the limits to make sure it's working right :wink: