Radiator problem !

[peteracs]

Hi John

I just use distilled water and good old ethylene glycol (blue) in mine. My understanding is that this helps combat the erosion of the cyl head. There is a Fiat specific mix I think which no doubt others will suggest as well.

Peter

[WestonE]

I use Comma G48 and have for 10 years with no issues and stable temperature plus no corrosion or leaks I can spot. Note I did have to change a water pump recently, but it was 15 years old and I was running it faster than stock.

Eric
Opie Oils do this stuff mail order in ready mix so no hunting for distilled water. G48 5 year changes older blue Ethanol 3 year changes.

[Clifford3051]

Hi Jon where are you getting your radiator from ok please ?
C

[JohnFol]

Company called Coolex and a helpful chap called Steve
I have the impression someone else here has ordered from them in the past

info@coolexperts.co.uk

[JohnFol]

Not fitted yet.

Note the expansion tank nozzle is on the top but they moved it to be the same as the original.

[Clifford3051]

Cheers John

[peteracs]

Hi Jon

Is this a direct swap, or do you need to mod any brackets?

Peter

[JohnFol]

Working away from home during week so won't get round to fitting until weekend, however expectation is direct swap.

[Clifford3051]

Hi Jon.
I am considering this route to replace my radiator and so will be interested to know that it went in as a direct match to the original thanks.
C

[JohnFol]

Not had a chance to fit, but to answer the question I stood it in place. It sits high and a little unbalanced so I know there is a small adjustment at the bottom. This is a photo of the top and you can see the radiator wants to sit deeper in the bracket.
Gut feeling is the welds top and bottom stop it sitting perfectly first time, and a bit of bracket bending (or the easier "trim the rubber"), will fix it.

Hoping to fit Sunday, and will report back, but I think it's going to be the easiest swap based on hours of researching Rover 213s and a dozen other cars that share a similar sized radiator.

[Clifford3051]

Thanks John and good luck with the fitting.
Has anyone else got a direct fit recommendation?
Thanks
C

[JohnFol]

Just a few photos to show the difference in mounting depth / width and the new radiator in situ

[JohnFol]

Just as a PS, I'm happy to donate my old one to the manufacturer so they have more accurate measurements. It only makes sense if anyone else needs to order one so let me know (whilst I've still got the box)

[peteracs]

Hi John

That would be a useful item to have. Can you confirm the cost of the radiator as I would have thought Mark may be interested as well as others who have gone down the route of searching for suitable radiator.

Peter