Radiator leak - advice please
Discussion
Took the Griff for a run today and discovered the radiator has sprung a leak on the l/hand end. Doesn't appear to be stone damage as its in the wrong place.
I am guessing its the original radiator (1994 Griff 500).
Are they hard to remove ?
Get it repaired or replace? Did I see ali ones are available now which boost cooling ?
thanks
I am guessing its the original radiator (1994 Griff 500).
Are they hard to remove ?
Get it repaired or replace? Did I see ali ones are available now which boost cooling ?
thanks
I would check all connection hoses etc that indeed your RAD is Fubared, run your car up to temperature and check for leaks again. If it is your rad, then simply get it exchanged for a new one, which is what these Rad companies do. IMHO I would not bother with an Ali one, useless you want to save weight for track days or sprints.
Not particularly difficult to remove, but it is quite heavy and awkward.
You need to remove the air filter that sits on top and disconnect the hoses, there's no drain tap on the radiator so the coolant tends to go everywhere. You'll also need to remove the windscreen washer bottle, expansion bottle and the alarm siren to make room.
Once you've undone the mounting bolts for the rad you need to lift it up into the nose to disengage the bottom pegs from the body. The bottom of the rad then needs to be lifted up to clear the chassis and then removed horizontally. Because you are leaning over the nose to do this it can be quite awkward so if there is someone to assist it makes it much easier with less chance of dropping it.
You need to remove the air filter that sits on top and disconnect the hoses, there's no drain tap on the radiator so the coolant tends to go everywhere. You'll also need to remove the windscreen washer bottle, expansion bottle and the alarm siren to make room.
Once you've undone the mounting bolts for the rad you need to lift it up into the nose to disengage the bottom pegs from the body. The bottom of the rad then needs to be lifted up to clear the chassis and then removed horizontally. Because you are leaning over the nose to do this it can be quite awkward so if there is someone to assist it makes it much easier with less chance of dropping it.
FFMan said:
....Are they hard to remove ?
Quite therapeutic really...can be done surgically without much coolant mess at all - just use a gravity suction pump (3-4 quid) - see pics. About 7 to 8 ltrs to remove, basically a bucket full. Removal as above post, protect bodywork when removing, and there's also a good write up somewhere on here also, will see if I can get the link as I've got it saved somewhere.Couple of things to note when reinstalling - make sure your don't tighten the side rad nuts too tight. Check also the rubber grommets which go on the bottom pegs are still good and not perished and are the correct type (the ones from TVR Parts are too small btw!). Check side rubber mounts are also in good shape.
HTH
Edited by Storm Guy on Saturday 26th November 20:46
Storm Guy said:
Quite therapeutic really...can be done surgically without much coolant mess at all - just use a gravity suction pump (3-4 quid) - see pics. About 7 to 8 ltrs to remove, basically a bucket full. Removal as above post, protect bodywork when removing, and there's also a good write up somewhere on here also, will see if I can get the link as I've got it saved somewhere.
Couple of things to note when reinstalling - make sure your don't tighten the side rad nuts too tight. Check also the rubber grommets which go on the bottom pegs are still good and not perished and are the correct type (the ones from TVR Parts are too small btw!). Check side rubber mounts are also in good shape.
HTH
A beautiful engine there Storm Couple of things to note when reinstalling - make sure your don't tighten the side rad nuts too tight. Check also the rubber grommets which go on the bottom pegs are still good and not perished and are the correct type (the ones from TVR Parts are too small btw!). Check side rubber mounts are also in good shape.
HTH
Edited by Storm Guy on Saturday 26th November 20:46
FFMan said:
where did you get the ali rad and approx what was the cost ?
thanks all
I cant remember where I bought it as it was a while ago.thanks all
I did see this though....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-TVR-Chimaera-Griffit...
Colin RedGriff said:
I fitted an Aaron radiator to mine a few years back and been very happy with it. The mounting brackets needed a bit of filing to match the mounting studs but once fitted it has been great
I also bought a Aaron radiator having read a very positive review in something like Practical Classics but be careful. My outgoing radiator had a fitted aluminium housing for the cooling fans, welded onto the body of the radiator, whereas the one from Aaron did not, which meant I then had to buy GRP fan housings to fit on the radiator to take the cooling fans.
No big deal and no problem with Aaron Radiators, just be aware. Pete
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