Bloody Coolant Leak!

[Philmo 0]

It's taken me a month to find a pin hole in the top fin of the rad just 70mm from the knuckle bend, after replacing the knuckle bend O-ring, hose clip changed to jubilee clip, then hose change.

Replacing/repairing the rad must be a pretty standard job by now - so what's the standard intelligence on this guys?

The rad looks like an original, so the core must be cream-crackered by now.

So are there core replacement outfits oop north? Or is it a new/recent-used replacement jobby? Will the plastic end tanks go on forever - or do these suffer embrittlement?

I note a firm called Northern Radiators charges close to £100 for a new one.

Are there any workshop notes / advice / procedure on swapping the rad? Can't see any. [bearing in mind I'll be removing inlet mani & alternator temporarily, shortly.]

I'm assuming that chemical solutions [Radseal?] are as bad now as they were in the old days?!

Any help would be appreciated.

[Toad 0]

I'd take the front end off, but if the inlet and alternator are coming off anyway, then you should have room.

 

I've used a pattern part on mine, around £100 from a radiator specialist near me, works fine, but you might be better off with a genuine one. One issue is that Dave's fancy brackets require some extra supports to get them to fit.

 

The end tanks will deteriorate with age, and I wouldn't bother recoring a radiator unless the tanks were nice and new. My original VR radiator went similarly to yours Phil, the top tube split after the bonnet release cable guide rubbed against it over the years.

[Jon_vr6 1]

Front end off easiest way really, around £200 for a new genuine VW radiator just so it doesnt come as a shock for you.

[Philmo 0]

Cheers Tom - good to hear from you.

There's no sign of rubbing from the cable - I think it must be simple corrosion - coolant wasn't lookin too G12ish when I bought her 2+ yrs ago.

I'll get an OEM price but can't promise not to laugh!

BTW - did your VR rear beam ever find a good home?

If it's still available and its torsion bar is reasonably rust free - I'd be pleased to take it from you at Stealth RR day. :?

[Philmo 0]

Front end off easiest way really, around £200 for a new genuine VW radiator just so it doesnt come as a shock for you.

Thanks Jon.

I was wondering about that - to give me better access to the lower mani as well. Presents an opportunity to totally clean up the slam panel and front beam too.

£200???? Is that list or rock bottom mate's price?

How does OEM quality compare with aftermarket?

[Toad 0]

It is nice and easy to remove the front end and gives you so much more space to work, I'd definitely do it if you've time.

 

I think you can get genuine rads for around £150 from TPS, but I'm not certain.

 

Still have the rear beam, can take some photos, but i'm not convinced it'll fit in the back of the VR for the journey up to stealth.

[Jon_vr6 1]

Around £200 is the retail price mate! Would always go genuine ive heard too many horror stories about the Non genuine rads!

 

Just incase you dont know how to take the front end off but im sure you do!

 

http://www.corrado-club.ca/mods/bumper.html

[Philmo 0]

It is nice and easy to remove the front end and gives you so much more space to work, I'd definitely do it if you've time.

 

I think you can get genuine rads for around £150 from TPS, but I'm not certain.

 

Still have the rear beam, can take some photos, but i'm not convinced it'll fit in the back of the VR for the journey up to stealth.

£150 is gettin closer, must look TPS up.

Would be good if the beam could fit, but essential to leave room for the sausages as a priority! :D

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

I spoke to my local vw last week as I too need to replace my vr's rad

 

they quoted approx £180 + vat as list price but with some haggling I reckon they should go to about £160inc

 

compared to approx £115 for oem I personally think it's worth t extra spend 4 genuine

 

RE the rad seal, I think I hav read very bad things on here about using it on a vr.....thus I'm staying well away

[Philmo 0]

I spoke to my local vw last week as I too need to replace my vr's rad

 

they quoted approx £180 + vat as list price but with some haggling I reckon they should go to about £160inc

 

compared to approx £115 for oem I personally think it's worth t extra spend 4 genuine

 

RE the rad seal, I think I hav read very bad things on here about using it on a vr.....thus I'm staying well away

Thanks g0ldf1ng3r - yes I'm inclined to agree re the chemical treatment, VR's seem delicate enough in the cooling department.

When you say £115 for oem - is that VW's supplier's price? If so who is that?

[vagman 0]

I used a place called bury radiators once when my gt turbo :ignore: head gasket blew due to cloggin in the rad! It did the job, they do recores! Just a suggestion

[KIPVW 0]

Phil, as said dont bother with aftermarket types as the quality is no where near as good. I looked at one of these at DG earlier in the year and you can see the difference in quality is dramatic.

 

I still have my old one which was perfect I only replaced as a precaution so if you wanna try that you are welcome, £30 to you and i'll help you take the front end off too, its almost childs play and have done it many many times :roll: :lol:

 

Let me know either way buddy :wink:

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

I spoke to my local vw last week as I too need to replace my vr's rad

 

they quoted approx £180 + vat as list price but with some haggling I reckon they should go to about £160inc

 

compared to approx £115 for oem I personally think it's worth t extra spend 4 genuine

 

RE the rad seal, I think I hav read very bad things on here about using it on a vr.....thus I'm staying well away

Thanks g0ldf1ng3r - yes I'm inclined to agree re the chemical treatment, VR's seem delicate enough in the cooling department.

When you say £115 for oem - is that VW's supplier's price? If so who is that?

 

sorry,when i said oem I meant non vw

vw should be able to hit approx 150 if u push them enough 4 a discount :)

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

Phil, as said dont bother with aftermarket types as the quality is no where near as good. I looked at one of these at DG earlier in the year and you can see the difference in quality is dramatic.

 

I still have my old one which was perfect I only replaced as a precaution so if you wanna try that you are welcome, £30 to you and i'll help you take the front end off too, its almost childs play and have done it many many times :roll: :lol:

 

Let me know either way buddy :wink:

 

hi kip

if phil doesn't take ur old rad are u open 2 offers?

I need 2 order 1 but am waiting for a new credit card :~

[Philmo 0]

Phil, as said dont bother with aftermarket types as the quality is no where near as good. I looked at one of these at DG earlier in the year and you can see the difference in quality is dramatic.

 

I still have my old one which was perfect I only replaced as a precaution so if you wanna try that you are welcome, £30 to you and i'll help you take the front end off too, its almost childs play and have done it many many times :roll: :lol:

 

Let me know either way buddy :wink:

 

Nah then Kip :wave:

How could I resist such an offer!

Are u doin much this w/e?

[KIPVW 0]

Only recovering from the night beforew mate :lol: happy to help but i'll probably be a bit worse for wear :pale: were you thinking of doing the job at the week end? or over a short period of time? happy to help strip the car at yours if you fancy doing that? let me know or just give me a call :wink:

 

 

If phil doesn't take the radiator you are happy to have it mate but £30 is a very fair price, & postage will be on top too! :roll:

[Guest]

Still have the rear beam, can take some photos, but i'm not convinced it'll fit in the back of the VR for the journey up to stealth.

 

Rear beam fits in the back of a C no problem. Fold the smaller seatback down and there's plenty of room. Can fit pork products around it too!

(You can even get one in with brake disks still attached!!!)

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

Only recovering from the night beforew mate :lol: happy to help but i'll probably be a bit worse for wear :pale: were you thinking of doing the job at the week end? or over a short period of time? happy to help strip the car at yours if you fancy doing that? let me know or just give me a call :wink:

 

 

If phil doesn't take the radiator you are happy to have it mate but £30 is a very fair price, & postage will be on top too! :roll:

 

thanks & my apologies kip

i didnt mean offers on price as it seems more than fair, just wondered if phil doesnt have it would it be available for sale :)

will keep an eye on this thread & see what happens....

[KIPVW 0]

Ah sorry chap, if phil doesn't take it you are more than welcome but i have a feeling he will! Sorry :( Shame as no one was interested in it in the summer when i advertised it for sale on here :roll:

 

I'll let you know if anything changes :wave:

[Philmo 0]

Only recovering from the night beforew mate :lol: happy to help but i'll probably be a bit worse for wear :pale: were you thinking of doing the job at the week end? or over a short period of time? happy to help strip the car at yours if you fancy doing that? let me know or just give me a call :wink:

 

 

If phil doesn't take the radiator you are happy to have it mate but £30 is a very fair price, & postage will be on top too! :roll:

 

Kip - I'll gladly take the radiator @ yr excellent knock-down price - if you/Judith don't want to keep it as a spare. :?

I'm free all w/e & would be grateful for your help with it at mine. Judith - you'll be welcome too of course - though Shirley's away in Tenerife with her mate! The front panel & bumper look to be a 2 man lift to avoid scuffs & drop damage.

Will give me an opportunity to clean up the front panel, beam and fan housing, also fit inlet mani thermal insulating gasket, possibly without removing blower and alternator.

Let me know a convenient time - as I'm totally flexible.

[Philmo 0]

Ah sorry chap, if phil doesn't take it you are more than welcome but i have a feeling he will! Sorry :( Shame as no one was interested in it in the summer when i advertised it for sale on here :roll:

 

I'll let you know if anything changes :wave:

 

I missed that sale - what else didn't sell?!

[Toad 0]

In that case, I'll get you some pictures. :) Do you want the stub axles or not?

[Philmo 0]

In that case, I'll get you some pictures. :) Do you want the stub axles or not?

Not sure Tom - the existing ones on mine were OK when rear bearings done last year. What are the pros & cons?

If it's not necessary to keep beam/stubs as a matched set then do you want to keep them in your spares stock?

Photos would be most welcome - it's the torsion bar on mine that's doubtful for MOT

I'll need to bring some folding stuff - did you have a # in mind?

[KIPVW 0]

Not sure this week end will be any good mate as got a big night out sat but i feel ok sunday i'll let you know and happily come over to yours, just hope all the bumper bolts come out ok as they are the ones that cause the most hassle :(

 

If not this wk end then maybe next? not sure if we'll manage it all in a single day though fella with the dark nights upon us now :roll: but if you do it over a couple of week end i'm there :salute:

 

Talk soon.

[Philmo 0]

No probs Kip - I'll pre-soak the bumper bolts.

A 2 weekend approach would be good - give me chance to pre-assembly prep all the acky bits in between.

Enjoy Sat night! 8)