Do I have an old rad?

[chieflief]

Am about to order a new rad fan (old one seized) and am planning to replace the rad as well but want to make sure it hasn't already been replaced at some point in the car's history. Is there an easy way to tell if I have an old OEM rad? 1996 Elise S1 standard

[Exige77]

If you are taking the front clam off get a Pro Alloy rad.

The OEM ones are rubbish.

[grumpy]

The original rad has plastic end caps, at least on the S2 anyway.

[AlexS]

If the rad is completely aluminum then it will have been replaced.

[The Bandit]

AlexS said:

If the rad is completely aluminum then it will have been replaced.

Yep, if your rad is black with plastic ends then it's almost certainly original.

[chieflief]

Well, the rad isn't black... Is there any possible way to check the end caps without taking the clam off? It means I can still use the car while I am waiting for the parts to arrive.

[banx22]

You might be able to tell if you shine a light through the hole where the water inlet pipe goes into the radiator or maybe even fron underneath, through the mouth at the front of the clam. It is only the end caps that are black plastic; the rest of the radiator is silver. If it's got a full ally rad on it; the end caps will be silver and you might be able to see where they have been welded to the radiator core; the plastic one is crimped on.

You have to take the clam off and take the radiator out to change the fan anyway so you will know for certain when you do this and ordering a new one from the usual suspects means it will only take a day or two for you to get hold of your new rad so i wouldn't worry about it.

[chieflief]

Thanks, I'll have a look. I'm in Canada so in my experience it'd be more than a couple days