Page 1 of 4

hmmm rads leaking..

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:29 am
by grant_day
What do you think of this....
Image

Image

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:50 am
by Ammo
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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:05 pm
by Pushki
I would replace it. You can get quick fixes such as radweld, but ultimately it'll go again. :(

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:13 pm
by grant_day
Replacement one on way, 35 quid with fans etc , cheers chaps

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:18 am
by grant_day
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.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:22 am
by indigolemon
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.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:24 am
by grant_day
Just keep topping it up until the bottle is between high and low markers?

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:24 am
by JayJay
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.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:27 am
by indigolemon
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!

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:32 am
by grant_day
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. :roll: