2.2DTi Radiator Change

[si_hoss]

My rad is leaking, has been for 18months, and I'm finally fed up of topping it up every 2-3weeks. I have a second hand radiator sitting in my garage but when I attempted to change it last year I bottled it purely due to the lack of space to work in. I knew if I went for it I'd have no chance of getting the new rad in, ergo: be in serious trouble!!!!

My mechanic came out last winter to do this and after 30mins decided he'd have to take the car away and take the air con parts off (so de-pressurizing the system and re-filling after etc) meaning it'll be a costly job so I said I'd wait.

Has anyone on here changed a rad on a DTi and if so able to offer any tips. Or for beer tokens & BBQ food anyone fancy helping me change it either at mine (Hertfordshire) or I'll even be up for travelling. Not sure if I'm allowed to ask like this, but if you don't ask, you don't get!!!

[Innes]

I had a leaky radiator and tried radweld. It was crap and only a temp fix. I then tried K-Seal which is meant as a permanant fix. That was 6 months ago and no more leaks :-).

Try it before repacing the radiator.

[jonnybravo]

it's a big job si,the rad has to come out downhill,load's of parts to remove

[si_hoss]

I had a leaky radiator and tried radweld. It was crap and only a temp fix. I then tried K-Seal which is meant as a permanant fix. That was 6 months ago and no more leaks :-).

Try it before repacing the radiator.

Cool - I'm willing to give K-Seal a crack, how much did you throw in and did you put it in via the rad top hose or expansion bottle??

[Innes]

I put the whole lot in the expansion tank. Its quite a small bottle. Make sure the water level is low as you dont want to over fill the tank. It starts working when the coolant gets hot so make sure the journey is long enought for the thermostat to open and pump around the system.

I bought it off ebay for £6.

Hope this helps

[si_hoss]

Cheers it does. Looking at ebay I found it from the seller GSF Car Parts, of which there's one of their shops up the road from here so nipped out at lunch and bought some, £10 though. Was shocked how small the bottle was, but I'll stick it in before driving home which is an hour away so plenty long enough to do it's thing!

I'll let you know if it cures or not in a few weeks I guess!

[si_hoss]

Just as an update 3 weeks on - IT'S FIXED IT!!!! Thanks for the advice on using K-Seal!! Must say the engine does seem to run a little warmer than it did, and heat up a bit quicker too but no signs of over heating at all so well chuffed!

Now just need to sort my leaking sump plug lol

[Al 22 dti]

damn good stuff k-seal.... iv seen bust heads run for months after putting it in.

al.

[Innes]

Glad it did the job