Leaking Radiator

[db]

My Stage 1 has been using a bit of water for a while but I've not been able to
locate the problem until now. Whether it's become worse or I've just looked at
the right time to find it I don't know. Anyway it does seem to be the radiator.

Anyone have any experience of radweld (or similar)? I could do with a quick fix
for the bank holiday weekend but don't want to do anything which might cause
problems in the future. I'll probably look at getting it recored eventually.

David

[firemanshort]

Where on your radiator is it leaking? I am looking for ideas on how to find my suspect water thief.

I have heard the overheating is a problem with the Stage Ones. I have also heard the the radiator is unique to this in-between model and hard to source a replacement when they get old, leaky or clogged.

Is that true?

-Firemanshort

[jonnyboy]

Radweld is a get you home fix, I wouldnt use it for much more than that as it will block up half of the cores as well. If you can find the leak try removing a couple of fins around it and then sealing it with epoxy. I have done this to a couple of vehicles and they have still been running like that years later.

Bumpkin has a Range Rover rad in his Stage 1. He had to fabricate a couple of brackets but it works a treat and you have to look twice to spot it.

Rather than replacing a rad you can normally get them re-cored for less than £100 which is something I may be looking into.

[db]

Where on your radiator is it leaking? I am looking for ideas on how to find my suspect water thief.

It's towards one end low down. I think that you need to try and check when it's
cooled down a bit after running. While it's hot the coolant just evaporates and
once it's cooled it's not under pressure so doesn't leak. In my case I spotted
it at the back of the radiator but i haven't got a cowl fitted - that would
have hidden it.

I have heard the overheating is a problem with the Stage Ones. I have also heard the the radiator is unique to this in-between model and hard to source a replacement when they get old, leaky or clogged.

Is that true?

It's certainly a unique radiator but I hadn't heard of overheating being a
particular problem. Mine is OK even without the cowl (as long as there's water
in it!).

It's only been about 4 years that I've been meaning to get round to fitting the
cowl.

David

[db]

If you can find the leak try removing a couple of fins around it and then sealing it with epoxy.

The problem is accurately locating the leak. Maybe I'll have to put it in the
bath and pressurise it or something.

Bumpkin has a Range Rover rad in his Stage 1.

Yes, saw that at Billing. You can only stand around nattering by a vehicle for a certain
time before the bonnet has to go up .

Rather than replacing a rad you can normally get them re-cored for less than £100 which is something I may be looking into.

That's probably what I'll be looking at doing.

Thanks.

David

[jonnyboy]

I remember reading somewhere thet you can pressurise the rad by getting hold of a mountain bike innertube and cutting it in half at the opposite side to the valve. If you fill the rad full of water, block the expansion outlet and fit each end of the innertube to the inlet & outlet you can pressurise it with a bike/foot pump.

[martin hughes]

I had overheating because of the back plate of the water pump being corroded thus reducing the flow rate of the water.
quick fixed with some magic metal set!

[db]

I remember reading somewhere thet you can pressurise the rad by getting hold of a mountain bike innertube ...

Sounds like a good idea. I'm going to try some BARS SEAL Leak Stopper in the short term.

David