Is the radiator stuffed?? (Pics)

[Noddy]

Gents, I have been losing some engine coolant lately and spotted a stain in the under tray of the T3. The car has been sitting for a couple of weeks so I fired it up this morning, let it idle for 10mins and the coolant started to pool.

It’s the passenger side of the car where the leak is pooling but I can’t actually see where it’s coming from. The hoses look fine.

Looking at the pics is the general consensus that the tank is split??

I don't want to drive the car radiator shop to have the cooling system pressure tested because the car may become undriveable after that and I’ll be paying them to replace the radiator.

[b2tf]

certainly look like the side tank has split.

[crakrz]

Noddy, as Austin has already said as well, it looks like your diagnosis is correct. I just bought and installed my new Natra radiator, it was only $180. I thought that it would be more expensive but was pleasantly surprised.
-Craig

[Noddy]

Great price Craig! Last time i replaced one of these Au radiators i had a problem cracking the fitting on the transmission line. In the end it twisted the pipe and i had to cut the line to remove the radiator. Since then i have seen other people mention they had the same issue.

Did you have this issue replacing yours Craig?

[crakrz]

When i did my cam swap last year, I remember mine being very tight, just made sure I had a good purchase on the fitting inside the tank with my spanner to keep it from twisting and the 2nd spanner on the male pipe fitting. It is definitely a 2 spanner job. Then the 2 spanners are just brought in together to crack the bond of the 2 threads. I have seen people just try to undo the tranny line one and of course the whole thing twists around in one or snaps.
When I put things back together, I always think of the next time they may need to come apart, so everything with a thread gets put together with Loctite Anti-seize paste. From wheel studs to spark plugs and everything in between.
So a couple of months ago when I decided to change my radiator, it all came undone an absolute breeze. I wouldn't leave home without the stuff.
-Craig

[b2tf]

Ive got an Adrad in mine for about the same price, easy to fit too. I did get caught though, with the Adrad you have to keep the metal tabs that the screws for the radiator go into to hold it to the support if that makes sense.

[crakrz]

Mine was the same Aust.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by crakrz

Mine was the same Aust.

Funny now i think of it, I pulled the old one out and left it aside then found myself needing those parts thinking 'oh $#!^$#&@ i chucked it out' - then turned around and it was in the garage next to me.

[Noddy]

Cool, thanks for the tips.

[blueoval]

Noddy - I would spend a few extra dollars and get the copper core radiator version. Less prone to cracks or leaks around the tanks and tap. I got mine done a year ago and paid $70 more than a standard one. My mechanic who was a head mechanic for Ford here in SA for many years said the standard type rads tend to crack again after 2-3 years on a 6. Not sure what its like on an 8, but its worth paying a bit extra for a bit of peace of mind.

Just my 2c worth though.

[Noddy]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Noddy - I would spend a few extra dollars and get the copper core radiator version. Less prone to cracks or leaks around the tanks and tap. I got mine done a year ago and paid $70 more than a standard one. My mechanic who was a head mechanic for Ford here in SA for many years said the standard type rads tend to crack again after 2-3 years on a 6. Not sure what its like on an 8, but its worth paying a bit extra for a bit of peace of mind.

Just my 2c worth though.

Yeah I have ordered the arad copper core, only an extra 25 bucks. Funny thing is the arad rep said cracking tanks in the factory AU radiator is unusual, not in my experience.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Noddy

Yeah I have ordered the arad copper core, only an extra 25 bucks. Funny thing is the arad rep said cracking tanks in the factory AU radiator is unusual, not in my experience.

haha. My mechanic says the opposite. He reckons any longer than 3 years out of a standard radiator you are doing very well. But he swears by the copper core versions. You got yours for a dam good price mate. Worth every cent as well as the peace of mind.

[Noddy]

Craig the car has done 60,000klms. Should I replace the thermostat while it's apart or should it be fine?

[galaxy xr8]

Mine is showing no sign's of leaking and has 60,000klm's on it and I have had it since new, maybe I just have a good one, (touch wood).

[crakrz]

Good pickup there Noddy with the copper core. I would definitely replace the t/stat. Just check to see if your stock one has a small air bleed hole in it. A lot of aftermarket ones don't, so I drilled a 3mm hole in mine to help getting air locks out. You just position the t/stat so the hole is in the 12 o'clock position when installed. Because the t/stat has to be held in place vertically while doing up the housing, I use a small amount of adhesive to hold it in place first. Make sure to use some sort of anti seize on the threads to help in the future.
-Craig

[crakrz]

I forgot to mention, that after 10yrs and 140,000km, I had no issues with my radiator. I just replaced it, because I had it in the shed. I have had my other one tested and repainted and now it's my spare.
-Craig

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by crakrz

Good pickup there Noddy with the copper core. I would definitely replace the t/stat. Just check to see if your stock one has a small air bleed hole in it. A lot of aftermarket ones don't, so I drilled a 3mm hole in mine to help getting air locks out. You just position the t/stat so the hole is in the 12 o'clock position when installed. Because the t/stat has to be held in place vertically while doing up the housing, I use a small amount of adhesive to hold it in place first. Make sure to use some sort of anti seize on the threads to help in the future.
-Craig

Where do you get the Loc tite anti seize from can you just get it at any retail store or online ?.
I would like to get some of this stuff for future project's/working's.

[b2tf]

Mine was cracked at 85,000kms. I didn't replace the thermostat but will do so when I flush the coolant next - hopefully involving a cam!

[crakrz]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Where do you get the Loc tite anti seize from can you just get it at any retail store or online ?.
I would like to get some of this stuff for future project's/working's.

I just get mine from Autobarn. But a bearing supplier or bolt bar will definitely carry it. It comes in a white tub and the lid has a brush attached. Once you use it, you always will in the future. My dad is a farmer and always put it on his irrigation equipment and farm implements. If he spotted me putting something together without it, I would get a clip around the ear. So I guess it's a family tradition. Click on the link below.
-Craig
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&so...hUjdeacLEcKHHA

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by crakrz

I just get mine from Autobarn. But a bearing supplier or bolt bar will definitely carry it. It comes in a white tub and the lid has a brush attached. Once you use it, you always will in the future. My dad is a farmer and always put it on his irrigation equipment and farm implements. If he spotted me putting something together without it, I would get a clip around the ear. So I guess it's a family tradition. Click on the link below.
-Craig
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&so...hUjdeacLEcKHHA

Thank's for that mate, I will go and get some.

[mik]

my tanks did`nt get a chance to split, about a 100000k`s it started leaking from the core just a tiny pin hole,, i don`t have a lot of faith in these crappy modern alloy radiators, by my reckoning it`s time for no.3 now..

[InfernoSR]

i've gone through 2 Adrad heavy duty radiators, and at over $300each... first was an upgrade from the ****y standard unit, the 2nd was from a crash repair.

Still worth it in the long run...

[rowan194]

I use Molytec nickel based anti-seize from an aerosol can. Easy to apply, though you do have to be a bit careful about overspray... but I'm sure my exhaust manifold iron won't mind a bit of the silver stuff, makes it look newer

I got it at a bearings place, I think it was about $35.

[Mechan1k]

Mine leaked from the plastic end tank.

Ended up getting the ADRAD copper core double thickness rad in the old work ute .... and it worked a charm ... stayed a little cooler on winter mornings though.

Now to replace the BF one ... at least now there are no cooler lines into the rads anymore.

[saber]

Where are you boys buying your radiators?

The old man has asked me to replace the radiator in his AUIII ute.

Is there an option to buy a radiator with a heavy duty auto tranny cooler, or am I better off fitting an external tranny cooler?

[Mechan1k]

I got mine through NatRad ... and opted for the ADRAD radiator through them.
I went a twin core (double thickness item) ... copper core.

[blueoval]

external tranny cooler is the safest bet. Don't risk running the in tank types. Rupturing of the trans cooler in tank will mean a new gearbox otherwise.

[InfernoSR]

Originally Posted by blueoval

external tranny cooler is the safest bet. Don't risk running the in tank types. Rupturing of the trans cooler in tank will mean a new gearbox otherwise.

Been there, done that... not fun!

[Noddy]

Just thought I'd mention that I've replaced the radiator and thermostat in the t3.
I didn't have any issues this time and we knocked it over in around 4hrs when you add all the chit chat.

One thing though, the thermostat I purchased was the correct one listed in the Tridon cat but when i checked the temp stamped on thermostat itself it wasn't the same as the factory unit. Factory unit was 88c, replacement was 82c. As it turned out everything was shut by the time I found this so I went ahead and fitted it and if need be would replace it later.

So as you would expect the engine runs noticeably cooler with this thermostat. Is this ok or should I re-fit an 88c thermostat?

Btw thanks for advice guys.

[blueoval]

In theory it should be ok. But the ecu will compensate and probably adjust itself with more fuel thinking the engine is too cold. That is my guess. im probably wrong.