SPW Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 I need a new radiator for my 1.6K series and having read through several previous threads on radiators it seems there are a lot of issues with leaking aluminium radiators, particularly from Caterham. I'm leaning towards a Radtec replacement from what I've read but would welcome any thoughts, positive or otherwise on Radtec or any other possible options.If anyone has a decent original copper radiator they want to sell please let me know as would also consider a direct replacement.Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 I fitted a Radtec exhaust 3 years ago to an 1800 K series SV. No leaks and service was fantastic, I remember, both in terms of advice and delivery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob D. Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Radtech are excellent, great customer service too. Just make sure you use blue coolant, I experienced two rounds of leaks using orange over the course of two years. Radtech offered service exchange and repairs even paid for the shipping at their cost. Zero issues since switching to a blue coloured product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted February 27, 2023 Member Share Posted February 27, 2023 This has come up in multiple threads so I'll keep it short. I wouldn't want to use a suboptimal coolant in the engine. I'm not convinced that coolant other than "blue" is responsible for the reported leaks in Radtec radiators.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 I am using the Caterham recommended coolant for the K series and no problems so far with the Radtec radiator....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair B Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Radtec very good....absolutely fine with Comma G30....pink! On reflection I would go now for black, not necessarily for heat efficacy as this is not an issue for road driving but it becomes less visible from the front, but you pay more for black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPW Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share Posted March 4, 2023 Thanks for the feedback. Just ordered from Radtec, had the "which coolant" discussion, recommend blue as expected but red won't invalidate warranty apparently. Seems to be a can of worms having read the various threads highlighted by JK and their explanation seemed more based on anecdotal evidence of its impact on the brazed joints rather than anything more scientific. Will have another read of the coolant threads after a couple of wines tonight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted March 4, 2023 Member Share Posted March 4, 2023 Thanks: hadn't heard that about the warranty before."Will have another read of the coolant threads after a couple of wines tonight!"I recommend... red. : - )Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted March 4, 2023 Share Posted March 4, 2023 The other thing to watch out for with Radtecs is to fit them square, without any twisting. They don’t like it and leak. Basically, when you mount it to the mounting brackets, use washers to shim the fit, as the brackets are unlikely to be perfectly square. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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