Loosing coolant - cap issue?

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sat May 17, 2014 4:40 pm

Okibi wrote:Not worth the cost of getting a top tank replaced (the bottom tank was made out of the same stuff at the same time), if you're at that point just upgrade your radiator.

However, the top tank will fail long before the bottom one. I changed the top one on the old NA8 and, 40,000km later, the bottom tank was still fine.

speed freak · Postby **speed freak** » Sat May 17, 2014 6:01 pm

Wuey wrote:I'm not sure if it's my imagination but somehow I can smell coolant when the engine is hot. Scratch head.

I get this with my NB8B.

I can smell a hot smell outside the car even after driving 'normally' no high revs or anything. Never over heated though as far as I know and doesnt use any coolant however. Not sure if its 'normal' or not. Iv replaced all the cooling system items too.

Probably best to just replace the radiator as you can get them cheap.

Whats the condition of your overflow bottle? I know with mine mainly at the track I get small amounts splash out of the bottle, I think the lid is worn out so when the coolant is sloshing around in the overflow bottle some drips out, could be something similar with yours unless the coolant usage is significant.

Wuey · Postby **Wuey** » Sat May 17, 2014 6:59 pm

Okibi wrote:Not worth the cost of getting a top tank replaced (the bottom tank was made out of the same stuff at the same time), if you're at that point just upgrade your radiator.

I have been thinking about that too. The overflow tank lid is in good condition with no sign of leakage.

Anyhow, I will go to another radiator joint to have it pressure tested to home in on the source of the leak.

Other than the OEM unit does anyone know where I can get a radiator for the SE locally? A standard unit or an all aluminium upgrade from one of the forum sponsors perhaps? Can any SE owner share your experience? My budget is around $400.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sat May 17, 2014 7:36 pm

Wuey wrote:Other than the OEM unit does anyone know where I can get a radiator for the SE locally? A standard unit or an all aluminium upgrade from one of the forum sponsors perhaps? Can any SE owner share your experience? My budget is around $400.

I've just ordered a Koyo 37mm aluminium replacement (one of the better quality options), it came with a high performace radiator cap which usually cost ~$80. This worked out at ~A$425 delivered from the US, it's still in transit at this time.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IN-STOCK-KOY ... #vi-ilComp
To buy locally was going cost ~$600 without the cap!

I'll let you know how it works out once it's arrived.....

The genuine OEM replacement (not a generic brand), which is also made by Koyo, was going to cost around $350 delivered and doesn't include the cap.

Wuey · Postby **Wuey** » Sat May 17, 2014 7:50 pm

Thanks Nevyn. Much appreciated. One question: Isn't the SE core thicker than 37mm or it doesn't matter with the one that you ordered?

speed freak · Postby **speed freak** » Sat May 17, 2014 7:55 pm

MX5 Mania sell replacement radiators at a good price.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sat May 17, 2014 7:58 pm

Wuey wrote:Isn't the SE core thicker than 37mm or it doesn't matter with the one that you ordered?

Standard NB core is 16mm
NB SE core is 27mm with very high fin density.
Koyo alloy I ordered is 37mm with a lower fin density than the SE.

The factory spec OEM SE radiator is actually a very good unit and will perorm as well as or outperform most aftermarket alternatives.
There are options that will perform better but they will cost $750 to upwards of $1250 and will need additional money spent on things like replacement fans, different pipes and wiring.

I probably won't have any performance gains, or if I do they will be marginal, with my choice.
My decision was more about the style of it! :mrgreen: