Talk to me about 400SE radiators..

Talk to me about 400SE radiators..

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Discussion

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Tuesday 7th June 2011
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Having just got my car back from MOT and having all new rear brakes done, its been confirmed that my suspicion of the radiator being almost knackered is true. According to the worksheet its in 'poor' condition and it has recently started dripping a bit.

Although not a pressing issue I'm thinking about getting it replaced at some point over the next few months.

Now first off the age old question, are 400SE rads generally the same as in locations of top and bottom hose etc. Did they ever fit a different size or are they all vaguely the same.

If at all possible I would like to have a new Ali one but I'm also open to other options. I'm not is a position to be able to do the job myself so ideally I'd like a replacement part that can be fitted at the garage I use. I asked them about local re-cores but they we'rent sure of anywhere local that may be able to do it.

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Wednesday 8th June 2011
quotequote all
I dont suppose anyone has a spare 400SE rad tucked away in their garage that they would like to sell?

If I dont go down the new Ali route then I'd like to have something already re-cored and ready to slot in.

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Thursday 9th June 2011
quotequote all
Now thats very interesting, and a Cosworth radiator in price terms would work out cheaper than a re-core of my existing one (at least in intial purchasing cost). My garage would be fitting it and they should easily be able to sort the mounting and hose changes.

I assume something like this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-RS500-Cosworth-Alloy-Ra...

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Friday 17th June 2011
quotequote all
Right update on this, I've found a local place for re-cores thats been recommended to me by quite a few people.

Car is booked in for about a weeks time to have Rad removed and then sent off for re-coring smile

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Saturday 18th June 2011
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mikeb said:
Let us know how it turns out including prices & pics.....

MikeyB
I'll keep people posted regarding price but I doubt there will be any pics. My garage is taking it out and sending it for re-core, then re-fitting. I wont get to see it unfortunately.

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Sunday 19th June 2011
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wild rover said:
Just a thought is the rad leaking at the bottom n/s,i have noticed rads going there on the wedge. Speaking to a v8 mechanic,says that this was a common complaint on the SD1 and was due to the hoses hardening. May be worth considering silicone hoses.idea
Hiya, Its leaking on the offside somewhere. I've already got silicone hoses fitted so its definitely the rad. It was noted as in very poor condition on the mot.

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Tuesday 5th July 2011
quotequote all
Quick update on this....

Due to get my car back tomorrow. Rad has been re-cored and has been fitted today. Apparantly it needed a couple of slight mods as well due to it being repaired/modified in the past, I dont have the details though.

Cost of the re-core and repairs is looking about £150, not too bad really.

I doubt I'll be able to get any decent pics, but will try once I have the car back smile

350Wedge

Original Poster:

2,364 posts

275 months

Thursday 7th July 2011
quotequote all
Picked the car up yesterday and it was indeed £150 for the recore and a modification to fit a screw in temperature sender rather than a clip in one. Removal and re-fitting was on top of that but a good job done smile

Very tricky to get any pics now its back in situ but will attempt to get some once its stopped raining!!