hmmm rads leaking..

grant_day · Post by **grant_day** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:29 am

What do you think of this....

New one? or is there another fix for it? No idea how it happened.

Post by **Ammo** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:50 am

New rad really, had the same on my old lude but it would only leak when hot. ended up getting a new rad from a local rad place for an auto for £70

Post by **Pushki** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:05 pm

I would replace it. You can get quick fixes such as radweld, but ultimately it'll go again.

grant_day · Post by **grant_day** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:13 pm

Replacement one on way, 35 quid with fans etc , cheers chaps

grant_day · Post by **grant_day** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:18 am

Ok, I replaced the rad last night, but I couldn't find in the wiki, how much coolant to fill it up with, I've got to work and got myself some water with no chemicals, iron etc in it. I have got some rad coolant/ antifreeze at home. Do I put 5 litres in the top of the rad? or fill up the rad and top up the bottle?
Sorry I'm useless, but hey the new rad is fitted and almost ready to go again.

Post by **indigolemon** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:22 am

I'd find another container and premix batches of 50/50 water coolant. Keep topping it up with that.

Open the bleed valve at the top and fill the rad till the valve is flowing coolant (no bubbles) then close the valve. Top up the rad till it's up to the neck, and fill the bottle to max.

grant_day · Post by **grant_day** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:24 am

Just keep topping it up until the bottle is between high and low markers?

JayJay · Post by **JayJay** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:24 am

You fill the expansion tank up to the top mark.

Open the coolant bleed bolt (on the thermostat housing).

You then fill the radiator up until you can see the coolant at the bottom of the filler neck and water is running out the bleed bolt in a steady stream (no bubbles). Tighten the bleed bolt.

With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan comes on). If necessary, top up radiator to base of filler neck.

Turn the engine off and replace the cap. Turn the engine back on and run for a shortwhile to check for leaks. Put the heater on full heat, full blast while running now.

Thats it

Also make sure you use a 50/50 mixture! Not just water.

Post by **indigolemon** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:27 am

What Jay said - and if there are any airlocks, you'll find the idle will bounce which is a clue you need to chuck more coolant in!

grant_day · Post by **grant_day** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:32 am

Perfek, thanks chaps. Will fill up tonight, just got to remember bleed valve is on thermostat housing and its done. Note to self do not over tighten bleed valve.