4 Core Does The Business!!
Discussion
Just re-cored my radiator to a 4 core spec from Serc Marston. Prior to that I had fluctuating temps often sailing into the red even when the fan was switched on.
The job was a bit fiddly but it was worth the effort as the car runs with a nice constant temp of around 80+ as shown on the gauge - even when booting it. I even get cooler air into the cabin thrown in for the bargain too!! I've also changed some of the hoses fitting some universal ones from Halfords which saved hunting round for the TVR spec which would have cost more.
All in the parts came to £240 plus vat...I'd hate to think what an established garage would have charged. I recently spent £700 for a service and MOT including a waxoyl from a well know mechanic based in Surrey....considering what I've done to rectify his work since then - I wondered why I bothered.
If anyone is contemplating the upgrade...its worth it along with havng the peace of mind and the satisfaction of having done it all by one's self.
Adios Amigos....until the next job yeeeha!!
The job was a bit fiddly but it was worth the effort as the car runs with a nice constant temp of around 80+ as shown on the gauge - even when booting it. I even get cooler air into the cabin thrown in for the bargain too!! I've also changed some of the hoses fitting some universal ones from Halfords which saved hunting round for the TVR spec which would have cost more.
All in the parts came to £240 plus vat...I'd hate to think what an established garage would have charged. I recently spent £700 for a service and MOT including a waxoyl from a well know mechanic based in Surrey....considering what I've done to rectify his work since then - I wondered why I bothered.
If anyone is contemplating the upgrade...its worth it along with havng the peace of mind and the satisfaction of having done it all by one's self.
Adios Amigos....until the next job yeeeha!!
Andy,
Did you find anything radically wrong with the old core? My 350 runs exactly the same rad (from the same place) and even on the hottest days this summer (remember them!) I hardly had the fan running even in traffic.
In reply to the other post, most reputable radiator places should be able to offer you the 4 core version. If not, walk away! If memory serves the core is the same as used in one of the Range Rover variants...
Regards,
Brian
Did you find anything radically wrong with the old core? My 350 runs exactly the same rad (from the same place) and even on the hottest days this summer (remember them!) I hardly had the fan running even in traffic.
In reply to the other post, most reputable radiator places should be able to offer you the 4 core version. If not, walk away! If memory serves the core is the same as used in one of the Range Rover variants...
Regards,
Brian
When I took the rad out, some parts of it in between the core were rotten. I was able to pull it apart very easily leaving a nice hole from side of the rad to the other.
Also, I found that the small hose that runs directly to the header tank was completely blocked. I actually cleared it by blowing into the header tank. There was a fountain of some mayo looking stuff that came out as a result. It looked as though it had been sitting there for some time. I thought for a moment that oil had seaped through the headgasket but elsewhere the water was clean and there was no sign of any water contamination in the oil.
More importantly the car ran at a steady temp without getting hot like it did before. Whether it was due to the blocked hose I don't know. Having said that the rad was on its way out so a re-core was probably the cheaper option in the long run.
Before the winter sets in, I'll flush out the water again completely and replace it with the right mixture of antifreeze.
Also, I found that the small hose that runs directly to the header tank was completely blocked. I actually cleared it by blowing into the header tank. There was a fountain of some mayo looking stuff that came out as a result. It looked as though it had been sitting there for some time. I thought for a moment that oil had seaped through the headgasket but elsewhere the water was clean and there was no sign of any water contamination in the oil.
More importantly the car ran at a steady temp without getting hot like it did before. Whether it was due to the blocked hose I don't know. Having said that the rad was on its way out so a re-core was probably the cheaper option in the long run.
Before the winter sets in, I'll flush out the water again completely and replace it with the right mixture of antifreeze.
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff