Leaking Radiator - Whats The Best Fix?

[Dan! 0]

Hi everyone,

 

My cars had a small puddle under it the last few days and I just went out for some investigation at lunch to find a 1cm long split in the radiator, in the middle, about 1 inch from the top. I checked the expansion tank, and it was very low. Poured 2L of water in, and it held it for 10 seconds or so before it started to trickle out of this split. Im pretty sure all of the 2L came back out again after 5 minutes or so, when it stopped leaking. (This is all with the engine OFF, by the way..)

 

Im a bit dubious about using rad-weld after hearing some bad reports and stories on it, so what else can people suggest? The rads not in bad condition otherwise and this really doesnt seem to justify a new rad imo!

 

Would silicone sealant work? I know nothing will be a permanent fix, but if it can get me by for 4/5 months that would be great.

 

Thanks alot, Dan.

Edited June 20, 2011 by Dan!

[Dan! 0]

Also, looking at brand new radiators on ebay, I see this..

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PEUGEOT-205-1-6-1-9-GTI-1-8-DIESEL-1983-97-RADIATOR-NEW-/290563868734?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43a6f4c83e

 

Its listed for 1.6/1.9 GTi and 1.8 Diesel. Does anybody know if this would fit my 1.8 Turbo diesel? It looks very similar in shape/size, but im not sure. There dont seem to be ANY '1.8 turbo diesel' radiators on ebay, only 'diesel' ones..

 

Thanks again.

[Anthony 1,003]

It should fit a 205 TD but it isn't as thick - I imagine that it'll be OK unless you're constantly keeping it on boost in hot weather though, seeing as 205 Turbo/GTi-6 etc conversions cope fine.

 

205 TD radiators tend to be very expensive new

[Dan! 0]

Thanks Anthony.

 

Iv just remembered I should be doing a cambelt and fuel pump change in a few weeks anyway, so while the coolant is drained for that, I might aswel bang a new rad in then (if I can get one of the above for ~£40) and now I just need to find a sweet fix for the little leak in this one for 2/3 weeks..

 

Cheers again, Dan.

[Baz 421]

Just get a new one as it seems you've decided, bit un-economical to faff about trying tpo repair a leak when a new rad isn't exactly expensive.

 

In fact i have a good lightly used one i'd sell if you come south a little!

[Dan! 0]

A new rad it will be, although I still need to find a temporary bodge for the time being, as I drive 14 miles to work and back each day and wont be able to change the rad for a couple of weeks.

 

Would silicone work, sticky, water tight, heat resistant....

[Baz 421]

Perhaps, K-seal or similar would, but that'd be up to you!

[SurGie 54]

As thats the case then try some metal ready paste, its as hard as metal and good for stopping leaks in household water pipes etc. It does depend on the size of it etc and tbh dont use the rad weld as it will be inside the engine etc, not worth using.

 

Otherwise just carry a few bottles of water with you and keep and eye on the temp till you can replace it. Its about a 20 minute job though tbh.

[Paul_13 212 1 Cars]

Mastic ftw! worked on my dads diesel for a month before he got a new un

[jackherer 543]

Araldite is perfect for radiator repairs, I've used it for temporary fixes that have ended up working for months with no signs of leaking.

[SweetBadger 94]

That rad you've linked to on eBay is just like the one I fitted a few years back. Car has always run noticably hotter since fitting it- It's not as effective as the original 20 yr old leaky pug one! With a single fan in hot weather, the Mi struggles not to overheat in traffic.

[marksorrento205 80]

As Jack said, I have used araldite as a temp fix to get me home from work. It worked that well I never bothered changing he rad and it went on for years Just make sure its dry and clean before you apply it.

[Dan! 0]

I managed to 'fix' it last night with some special plumbers filler stuff my friend had, which is designed to stop leaks in household water systems etc, and then put a decent layer of silicone over the top of that just for peace of mind. Its lasted fine for the 14 miles to work so far, and seems to have dried pretty solid!

 

Now onto the bigger problem though, finding a new rad. Theres about 4/5 on ebay listed as gti/diesel for about £50. I cant find ANY turbo diesel radiators online for less than £100.

 

Iv just read through this thread on here from a while ago about using a TD rad as an upgrade over the gti one.

 

Can anybody shed any light about fitting problems/differences, and cooling effeciency? I obviously dont want to be boiling my engine because I cheaped out and retro fitted the wrong rad, but I run oil and water temp gauges in my car to keep an eye on temps anyway, and have a fan wired onto a switch on my dash, which I can manually turn on/off. My temp currently sits at bang on 70*c.

 

Whats your opinions guys? Thanks..