New Radiator

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 09:51 AM

Hey people..

Driving home last night the car got a little hot, nothing to bad but it usually sits right in the middle no matter what. Anyway, I get out and hear a hissing noise. Low and behold my radiator has split where it is welded together.

While it does suck, I wanted to fix up the cooling system anyway. So what radiator should I get? Is a V8 one worth the cash? And how much are they?

While I was at it I think ill change the reserve tank as its looking a bit nasty, does anyone have a part no for one?

Oh and one last thing, is it a DIY job?

Cheers guys

EFFalcon · 20-01-2005, 10:09 AM

deffinately DIU
not sure on what one to get...
i got a new EF one not long ago.. and it was a little over $200 IIRC.
while the radiators out, clean the air con condensor to improve air flow....

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFFalcon

deffinately DIU
not sure on what one to get...
i got a new EF one not long ago.. and it was a little over $200 IIRC.
while the radiators out, clean the air con condensor to improve air flow....

ok im a spas..what does IIRC mean?

I called a place last night and they wanted 280 fitted. I can get a trade discount anyway, so I think ill give it a bash..lol

I WISH my air-conditioner worked. The fans barely work (except for demist), I have no idea why this is, my last car did exactly the same thing. But that storey could be another thread.

EFFalcon · 20-01-2005, 10:48 AM

IIRC = if i remember correctly.

i only suggest cleaning the condenser because its infront of the radiator..

NZ · 20-01-2005, 10:52 AM

You'll find the aftermarket ones are all V8 spec anyway. All ef/el rad's are the same it was only EA-ED that had 6cyl and V8 specific radiators. Ysually they will have an EF tank on the passenger side and a normal one with the top bolt hole on the other side so you'll have 3 mount points for fans if you ever want to mount them. What condition is your clutch fan in? If it spins freely by hand that will be a major cause of running hot. It should have qite a bit of resitance to spinning.

NZ · 20-01-2005, 10:55 AM

yes clean your condensor, you dont actually see the bits of grit and dirt they catch untill you look through them with light on the other side. My Old radiator looked clean but there was still a fair bit of crap lodged through it.

Your heater sounds like it has a Vac leak like your ea did if it stays on screen all the time

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 12:35 PM

ok so ill check the condesner out then...

the clutch fan is fine (but I intend on killing that soon anyways). So am I better off buying a new one for 200 odd or getting a 2nd hand one that works, but for how long?

Would there be a huge difference in new/used radiators? Other than age obviously.

spope · 20-01-2005, 02:03 PM

If you can afford it, absolutely get a new one. It's tricky to tell what condition a 2nd hand one is in. Natrad and the like do reconditioned radiators, which is typically 2 new side tanks and a cleaned out core. But it only costs a little more to get a brand new one.
I paid $180 for a new aftermarket EA one a little while back. Be a little wary, EF/L radiators have a smaller fitting for the bottom hose (yes, V8 ones also!)
They are so easy to fit too, just undo the screws for the fan shroud, undo the 2 bolts holding the radiator in and lift it out.

svo347 · 20-01-2005, 02:20 PM

For around $250 you can get a copper 3 core from Natrad

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 02:25 PM

ok so now this is what sucks about my car. How do I tell what radiator is in now? Is there a big difference between EA-ED?

My car is made up of so many different parts its hard to keep track :/

pepsimax · 20-01-2005, 02:27 PM

my rule of thumb is if your going to replace a radiator get a new one fitted that way if it ****s your engine they fix it,,warrenty is a good thing to have.

svo347 · 20-01-2005, 02:52 PM

No difference in EA-ED except for the tranny cooler lines for an auto.
Std v8 comes in a 2 core version, The 3 core works beautifully...

XRated · 20-01-2005, 03:04 PM

Try ebay if you're after a cheap radiator. It's usually pretty good for prices.

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 03:19 PM

thats the thing though...do I go the cheap way and risk getting something that WILL do the job.

Or do I go all out and spend 250 odd on a fancy 3 core one?

Is the 3 core that more beneficial?

svo347 · 20-01-2005, 03:22 PM

Yep it doesnt have the poxy plastic side tanks inwhich can split & its a 3 core better than the std 2 core

**Polyal** · 20-01-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo347

Yep it doesnt have the poxy plastic side tanks inwhich can split & its a 3 core better than the std 2 core

hmm...your making this difficult..lol..in a good way.

Were can I buy one from? Bursons? Ford? Or is it more of a thing for radiator specialist?

pepsimax · 20-01-2005, 03:41 PM

yep any auto place(except stuper cheap) should have them or a radiator specialist,,