Cooling help

[NickQuick]

Hi,

With the sun making an apearance again I have broken out the CanAm after being tucked up for the winter. Problem is the radiator has decided to develop a leaks . The system is not overly pressurised but when things get up to normal temp I get leaks from a half dozen or so of the joints from the core pipes to the feed tanks at the sides of the radiator.

I have a couple of questions if anyone can help.

Does anyone have a rad going spare to sell ?
Does anyone know a good place for repairs in the East Midlands ?

And finally has anyone else had radiators fail, is this something that happens often on Ultimas ?

Thanks for any advice,

Nick.

[rdodger]

You could try Bryn at Allyfab http://www.allyfab.co.uk/

Sounds unusual for an Ally rad to develop multiple leaks. Have you got the correct antifreeze mix?

[NickQuick]

Roger hi,

Thanks for the AllyFab link, good to see that they are only over in Chesterfield I will give them a call to see what they think price wise.

I bought the car last year and ran it as was meaning to service it this spring so it's difficult to tell about the antifreeze. There does seem to be quite a lot of antifreeze in there. I was also supprised about the number of leaks, there seems to be 6 or so core joints that have gone. I suspect that it may have been starting last year as I used to get the odd wiff of antifreeze but now we are talking obvious leaks when hot.

Regards,

Nick.

[rdodger]

Welcome

Bryn is very good and I have found him to be very reasonably priced.

[Graham-P]

Strangely enough I noticed a small puddle of anti freeze under the car last week. Difficult to see where it's coming from at the time, but was told it could well be the top silicone hose (passenger side) leaking from the clip and running down onto the radiator floor, on closer inspection the underside of the radiator/feed tank was wet all down that side. I'm hoping to get the car out next week (waiting for my mufflers to be returned at the moment) to do a complete check of fuel, coolant, oil etc.....

[Pb3]

Mine started leaking where the core meets the side tanks three years ago. I stuck £4 worth of RadWeld in it and have never looked back! I must admit my intension was/is to replace it with an ally one, but have not got round to it yet. I just carry another bottle around with me at the ready

[Graham-P]

Have to admit Phil that's what I think I'll do if it is a hole in the rad. It's only very small quanitiy of water and my repacked/camcoated mufflers have taken the money of a new alloy radiator at the moment.

[738 driver]

Is the leaky rad in the O/P alloy?
Stock factory rads are brass I think. (mines certainly far too heavy for alloy)

Edited by 738 driver on Monday 30th March 18:45

[NickQuick]

So it sounds like rad core leaks are not unknown then.

Good to hear that Radweld has been tried and was sucessfull. I had a bad experiance with the stuff some years ago on a Renault 5 GT Turbo which ended in a new and very expensive replacement, but I think that it was down to using too much of the stuff. I was considering trying some as the leaks do look like they would respond well.

Interesting that the rad could be brass, I am guessing that this may help with a repair as it is a bit easier to work with than aluminium.

Did not get time today to try Allfab today but should be able to tomorrow, I am looking forward to understanding what they can offer.

Thanks all for the comments and advice.

[robm3]

Mine has a slight leak here as well, well used to be slight but suspect it's large now.

[Pb3]

I asked the Factory about using RadWeld before I put some in, they said it would be ok. I have had no side affects after 7000+ miles, so works with a SBC and a normal 'heavy' radiator setup.

[NickQuick]

I can see some RadWeld being bought as a starting point. I can always flush the system if it dosent work and I have to go for a full repair. Good to hear the factory think it is acceptable. I am stuck in London this week so will have to try it at the week end.

[Steve_D]

Radweld only solidifies on contact with air so it seals the hole as it escapes. I think comments about it blocking your cooling system are a myth.

I would, and have, used it many times on different vehicles.

Steve

ETA my personal choice is Bars Leaks.

Edited by Steve_D on Monday 30th March 22:05

[NickQuick]

Quick update, I got some Radweld put into the cooling system this morning and it imediatly stopped the leaks, great stuff ! I will be keeping an eye on the radiator but hopefully that's it fixed now.

[60mph]

They used to use eggs in the war . Now that you can buy bottled omlettes , it would save you whisking the egg before you put it in . P.S. I think an omlette in the cooling system might block it up a bit .

Frank