Graham Hutton Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 Just got back from a long trip and could smell a bit of coolant and spotted some splashes over the top of the engine. Only a tiny amount but clearly the top weld on the radiator is weeping a bit as you can see in the picture. Any advice as to how to fix it? I notice that a new radiator is £388 so thought I'd ask before buying one in case anybody knows a radiator welder or something near Exeter that could help?Any advice appreciated from you lovely lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 Google search for local radiator repairer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazio Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 A quick google came up with this www.radiator-repairs.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 As a distress solution this is excellenthttps://www.kseal.com/uk?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzK-UidO89wIVCLrtCh0T6QtsEAAYASAAEgIthfD_BwEIf you need a rad sorting by guys who really know their onions and use quality components and are very familiar with or cars then contact https://www.alicool.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted May 1, 2022 Member Share Posted May 1, 2022 Yours doesn't look like the same sort of fault that has recently affected so many aluminium radiators. But I'd still check that there aren't any twisting or bending forces on the radiator from the mountings. It should clamp up nicely without these forces and you can check when you take it out.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted May 1, 2022 Member Share Posted May 1, 2022 I try to avoid any sealing compounds for radiators or hoses.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted May 1, 2022 Share Posted May 1, 2022 I wouldn't agree JK, that does look to me like the typical leak the radiators suffer from, many from new regardless of how they're mounted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team 700newtons Posted May 1, 2022 Leadership Team Share Posted May 1, 2022 I recently suffered from the, all to common, radiator leak. Low and behold, when I removed the old radiator, it was not flush with the mountings. The mounting bolts had been putting it under stress.For the new radiator I was advised to add a spacing washer in front of one of the bobbins to correct this, which I did. I'm hoping that this is the last new radiator for a while.Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted May 1, 2022 Author Share Posted May 1, 2022 Thank you everybody, very much appreciate the advice. When I built the car I was careful to ensure there was no twisting in it but then again, I'm not a master mechanic!Perhaps I should've googled first because the radiator repair people you mention are about 4 miles from my house!!!Very much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted May 1, 2022 Share Posted May 1, 2022 The first radiator I got with my car leaked from the start. It was replaced and the replacement also leaked. CC then sent me a third which, you've guessed it, also leaked. I had the second one repaired and it's been fine now for several years. I have the third as a spare but have never needed it. Two of the three had leaks on the top welds, like this thread, the other on the weld around the drain plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted May 1, 2022 Share Posted May 1, 2022 As I said it's a 'distress' option, ideal if you get a stone through the rad....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted May 4, 2022 Author Share Posted May 4, 2022 Caterham have agreed to send me a new rad under warranty without any quibble whatsoever. Marvellous!Thanks chaps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted May 4, 2022 Member Share Posted May 4, 2022 Well done.Thanks for the update.And check that loading at the brackets as you remove it!Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted May 5, 2022 Author Share Posted May 5, 2022 Will do Jonathan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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