Radiator - re-core or replace

[zigzagsky]

So it looks like I have a small leak in my radiator in the corner close to the drain cock. It doesn't drop much after a run - maybe a teaspoonful but I imagine it will only get worse.

Car is a RHD Series 2 2+2

I've looked on the SNG Barratt site and they are around £800 quid (ally replacement) and are only available to special order. I was hoping to use the car for a JDC weekend in a couple of weeks time.

I'm wondering if it might be more cost effective to get it re-cored but wondered if anybody had a recommendation? I'm in Sandhurst, Berkshire so in the south of England would be preferable as I'm not keen to post it.

Thoughts?

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian....you might get away with putting a couple of bottles of Bars Leaks in the system....but if not.just look up a local radiator repairer nearest to you they can usually do a quick turn around......Steve

[christopher storey]

I agree with Steve about Bars which Jaguar used on all new cars !

However, if your rad does need replacement, then unhesitatingly I recommend that you speak with Northampton Autorads 01604 630191

who will advise you on the best way forward .

[chrisfell]

Re core cost me about the same as an aluminium replacement. I went for originality. I won’t be doing that next time, which will be quite soon.

Meanwhile, I’ll just drive the car, but take a gallon can with premixed radiator fluid on long journeys (like up to 1000 miles).

[zigzagsky]

Don't really want to go down the bars route as it had a full engine rebuild only 2 years ago.

I might think about taking some pre-mixed fluid with me for the time being but was just worried in case it lets go big time when out.

I'll contact the engineering company suggested to get a quote for a rebuild.

Thanks for the help so far chaps.

Brian

[christopher storey]

You won't do any harm at all with Bars, and as mentioned Jaguar put two bottles in the cooling system of every new car in the 1950s/60s !!

[zigzagsky]

Ok, I may try Bars Leaks to see if it will enable me to at least use the car for the upcoming event.

I see that there are quite a number of products out there from Holts etc. Is it best to stick with Bars or are any of the others equally good?

[malcolm]

Hi Brian! When I replaced my head after CMES worked on it, I had a leak under one of the head nuts. Paul said "pretty common, stick some Bars Leaks in" I did, and no problem ever since.
If I was doing a really long overseas trip, like our plans for Ardennes/Black Forest next year, I'd cpnsider a new rad. But for more local stuff UK based I wouldn't panic.

[zigzagsky]

Thanks Malcolm.

I’ll try the Bars Leak route and address the underlying issue if it doesn’t work. It’s for the Weymouth trip next month.

Just trying to find a UK source. Where did you get yours?

Brian

[mgcjag]

Hi Brian...just try a google search...this is the first i saw.....its the small swuare bottle of the "old school" type Bars Leaks.....Steve http://www.dunstablemotorspares.co.uk/p ... additives/

[malcolm]

Brian, got mine from whoopee motor factors in Fleet. Church Crookham actually. If you wanted to pop round some time I'll show you where it is?

[tim wood]

NAR did the record on my previous car and fitted the high performance fan. Good job, well done.

For my latest car I’ve gone for an aluminium rad with twin fans from Alicool. Perfect fit and works well


Tim

[zigzagsky]

Brian, got mine from whoopee motor factors in Fleet. Church Crookham actually. If you wanted to pop round some time I'll show you where it is?

Thanks for the offer Malcolm. I'm going to see how expensive/easy it would be to get it re-cored first as it didn't leak when I first refitted it and now it does so I'm a little concerned that it may get worse over time despite the addition of Bars Leak.

Don't want it letting go suddenly!

However I think I will get some Bars Leak anyway before any future leaks.

[Maph2]

£250+vat for quality recore from J&J coventry - JLR classic use them