nickwilliams Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 My radiator has sprung a small intermittent leak. I'm going to be putting a re-built engine (300TDi) into the vehicle in the next 6 - 8 weeks, so it makes sense to replace the radiator at the same time. What are my options? Any recommendations? Anything to avoid? Is it worth changing the intercooler at the same time? All advice / comments / stories of experience welcome! Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 if the existing unit has brass side tanks get a new core fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 This ^^^^ I have two now so have one recored on the side as a spare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 I bought an aluminium one off eBay(200tdi), the radiator itself is fine and work well. However after fitting it I started having low oil pressure issues, it turned out where the spigot's for the oil cooler were welded on they had only drilled 5mm holes into the tank. I've since opened them up to 9.5mm and all issues have gone away. So worth checking before you fit it. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 I have a brass one, had it re-cored with a 4 core at B and J radiators at Little Hulton. It has a full width Alisport intercooler in front of it, the 300tdi engine has the Bell/Alisport VNT . Last Friday it was mighty hot and we towed the horse and trailer pretty much as fast as it would all go, but usually near 60, across the M62 and back. I was expecting maybe a hint of overheating on the climb to Saddleworth but was pleased to say there were absolutely no issues. The transmission tunnel you couldn't touch even for a moment, so that is maybe another thing, but it shows how hot it all was. I have noticed some water pumps have smaller impellers than others, if you are swapping the pump I'd make sure it at least matches what you have (I once bought a Quinton Hazell water pump with a smaller impeller than stock which my Mini took exception to if worked hard, so I am conscious of that) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD Posted August 1, 2019 Share Posted August 1, 2019 I have had mine re-cored with a pressure washable core which the place (Kempston Radiators in Bedford) keep for JCBs and similar seemed like a good idea especially when you go wading and your radiator clogs up with sand 😠. they did the calculations to make sure the cooling would be sufficient Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted August 1, 2019 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Another vote for re-coring copper/brass, and an earthmover core if you use it off-road, my guys called it a caterpillar core. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickwilliams Posted August 3, 2019 Author Share Posted August 3, 2019 So what about going for something like this, given that it's likely to be of the same order of cost as a re-core? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted August 3, 2019 Share Posted August 3, 2019 Depends really - that's a car core so quite efficient but it's going to clog up in the mud. I'd take that over a plastic-ended one any day, although I still reckon brass is more easily repaired in the field if that's an issue (EG overlanding). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickwilliams Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 Thanks all, some useful insight in these responses. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Hi Nick Brass with an industrial core for me too , an over spec'd radiator is worth the effort . Second choice would be the welded aluminium version from a recognised supplier . cheers Steve b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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