heat exchanger leaking

[Victor1275]

Hi pistonheads,
I managed to save a 81 280i coupe 2+2 from being salvaged and i would like to see it driving again so i began to work down a to do list.

The heat exchanger is leaking quite badly, it lost coolant and blew a headgasket apperantly.
i tried to find out where the little heater radiator is sourced from but i was nog able to find it. can somebody tell me please.
also the rectangular airvents on each side of the centre clock in the dashboard are missing, rover maybe?

Thanks in advance,
vic

[wooly350i]

When I had mine out (heat exchanger) the leak just turned out to be a small crack in the soldered joint of one of the inlet/outlet pipes and was able to re solder it with blowtorch and solder, how ever size wise it was pretty close I thought to the old mini ones, although a good independent radiator business should be able to advise, unfortunately Berkshire rads near me I'm told are shutting up shop after years of trading, don't know when though.

[Victor1275]

the leak is situated in the middle of the radiator.
i already tried one from a classic mini but the in en outlet pipes are much smaller and both on one side, where the tvr's exchanger has them on both.

[mrzigazaga]

Victor1275 said:

i tried to find out where the little heater radiator is sourced from but i was nog able to find it. can somebody tell me please.

Hi mate...I have a feeling that they were ford, Although what ford is a good question..Aaron radiators are pretty good and can rebuild the old unit..Have you removed it and can you get some measurements?...Ziga

[hallsie]

Ive got a spare heater box with heat exchanger/heater matrix in it which you are welcome to.

Dont know if it leaked prior to removal, but it does not seem to have any leak marks on it!

Stu

[MJG280]

It would be best to have it recored. I had one done about 8 years ago and it was almost as expensive as the engine radiator, Then about £60

[Victor1275]

Thanks for the tips and offers.

I managed to fit a matrix from an unknown car that i found i the garage.
exact same dimensions. i only had to make a hole in the heater unit and redirect the lines.

now i only need to find out where te airvents are sourced from in the dash. dont realy understand why someone takes them out in the first place..

thanks in advance,
Vic

[wooly350i]

Look up Austin air vents or British Leyland, allegro that sort of stuff