Leaky radiator

[lrsfawcett]

Hello, I was hoping for a bit of advice, I know I have a problem but I am hoping to find out the best way to deal with it. As I returned home last night and reversed uphill into my parking space a cloud of steam came from the bonnet. It had been a 60mile run on open roads and I never noticed any steam (even stopping at some traffic lights) before this point. After checking the forum I had a look today with the engine cold and checked the coolant level, which seems a little lower as I check it regularly with a lolly stick marker. I took off the air intake cover and saw to my horror that the radiator is leaking at the top, directly opposite the top hose. I run the engine for a few minutes and it started dripping from this point but the temperature guage on the bongo wasn't affected (and I don't think it was the night before either). Does this mean I need a new radiator or is there a way to fix it if it isn't leaking the whole way along? Also would it be okay to drive it to a garage in this condition?

Thanks!!

[haydn callow]

You need a new radiator...refill with coolant and a full bleed....Don't be tempted with the cheapest radiator.......And...whilst it's in bits why not fit a new MAZDA thermostat ??

[haydn callow]

As long as you don't let the Ex tank go below the LOW level (check it every mile or so...) you could drive to a garage...However,,,make sure the garage know how to bleed it when it's done.....they all think they can but many cannot..

[lrsfawcett]

Thanks for the speedy and comprehensive reply. I think I'll try to limp it along to the bongo garage Dairsie Autopoint. I don't usually use them but the garage that does my tyres, oil etc don't do any other bongos so they may not be up to the process. I think I'll buy the mazda radiator though and hope Dairsie'll fit it as the garage seem very pricey. Do you think the thermostat really needs to be replaced?

Thanks

[haydn callow]

Whilst the system is drained I would defo go for a new Thermostat,,,,,But be sure to get a MAZDA one....the bongo shop sell them.....whilst they are at it ask them to flush out all the old coolant and check out the hoses....then with your new rad/Stat/coolant you will be good for another 15 years....

[Diplomat]

My radiator leaked exactly as you describe. It happened while I was in Jersey in September and I had to find a temporrary cure.

I cleaned the entire plastic to metal joint area using a toothbrush dipped in methanol in order to thoroughly degrease the area.

With the engine hot but cooling I applied two mix epoxy (with a suitable heat rating, Plastic Padding do one for radiators).

As the engine cools it should suck the glue into any holes. I left it twenty four hours before driving again. At this time of year some heat from a hair dryer would speed up curing.

Three months on the repair is still sound. A low coolant alarm gives me peace of mind.

I am saving up for a new rad and would agree with Haydn about the thermostat etc. but I am thinking along the lines of possible changing the water pump as well as the hoses and, logically, the cam belt in one major operation.

Frank

[dunslair]

I would give Dairsie a call and see if they will uplift and fix. For an extra £30 get the stat replaced with a mazda one. (friends of ours have bought from Dairsie and have been pleased with their service and attitude in general)

[lrsfawcett]

Thanks for all the posts, I think it's clear that replacement is the way to go, however.......like Diplomat, it'll take time to get the funds together. The Diplomat repair sounds good but would it be possible to use K-fix and get a temp fix? I've had mechanic friend of mine look it over and while he confirmed the radiator did have a leak, due to the small amount of fluid loss (even after taking it on a run!) it was possibly not all that big. My only worry is that a quck fix solution ( ie k-fix) could lead to damage to engine components?!!