leaky rad

[scott64]

off side rad seems to have developed a small leak, when you get up to speed it sprays over windscreen but then clears. Definately smelly rad water, so I guess it might close up when hot. So question is new rad or some rad stuff alway dubious about it clogging up other parts of the cooling system? It is a S2 111s

[gooby]

Shangani has just dealt with this problem, his solution was to get a full aluminium rad. Costly and costly to install, but solves the problem.

[piooly]

If not under warrantee get the aluminum one from elise parts. THe standard item always break. I have had 3 new ones in the space of 1 and a half years ! all under warrantee which is lucky !

[shangani]

I have just had this identical symptom - the radiator is going unfortunately. Just check that the pipe into the radiator under the drivers side access panel is on properly. If not, you are heading for a new radiator. The elsie one has plastic end caps and they fail. Get an uprated all aluminium one when you replace it - eliseparts or proalloy. I spoke to Wayne at proalloy and he sorted me with a brilliantly made uprated one. (I track the car a lot)

The main cost is labour - front clam off, hence get a better radiator for an extra £100 if you plan to keep the car - no hassles in the future.

Sorry - your question was answered while I was typing.

Oh an Piooly - have you considered that you might have a subtle failure of your Head gasket, with gases pressurising the radiator? If you unscrew the reservoir cap after a drive, does the water fountain all over the place?

>> Edited by shangani on Wednesday 22 March 12:52

[enjybenjy]

On a kind of uplifting note, mine always used to do this when I filled the level up (MAX). It naturally sprays out (sometimes) until it reaches 'MIN', then stops altogether. I now don't worry about it as it stays at the MIN level...