radiator options?

[emilmh]

Hey,

back info. Car is a 1990 NA roadster, with about 130,000kms on the clock. Mechanically running great (till just now).

I just realised that my cooling system is leaking radiator fluid. At first i thought it could have been the spring clamps on the hoses which came loose (as when i flushed multiple time a few months back i had to squeeze the clamps a lot while moving the radiator hose on and off).
I have installed better screw clamps but have noticed now that the leak seems to be coming from the top tank (where the plastic and metal core are joined). (its hard to trace the leak as there is not much space to look!) The radiator 'appears' perfectly good, ie the top tanks look like new externally, not at all aged brown like commonly said.

Is there potentially something i could be overlooking?

Assuming there is a crack in the top tank, what are the options available?

1/ Get the tanks plastic welded and pressure tested? (does anyone know how reliable this is and/or how much it costs?)

2/ Buy a 2nd hand radiator? Anyone know how much these go for? (im a bit hesitant as i may end with the same problem again)

3/ Buy a new NA cooling pro radiator from just jap in sydney. $299 + delivery (does anyone know how much this would be? Im guessing ony about $30 to brisbane, does anyone sell anything similar in bris?)

i am planning on doing timing belt and water pump in the next month or so (i have all the parts) so was thinking if i need to install a new radiator, well it works out not too bad to install it when i do the major service.

Any other suggestions/info/advice greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Emil

[philz]

Instead of cooling pro, try this and cheaper!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/42mm-aluminum-al ... 414d2d2ad4

A few people are starting to use these ASI radiators, with good results.

[Bauer]

Instead of cooling pro, try this and cheaper!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/42mm-aluminum-al ... 414d2d2ad4

A few people are starting to use these ASI radiators, with good results.

+1

$265 landed and mine was a perfect fit

[Jeo]

What they said. 42mm ASI one in mine.

[emilmh]

Thanks guys,
I just saw the asi ones as i was doing more research! THere is a lot of conflicting info about fitment and quality, although none of the negative stuff i read concerned the mx5 models (just skylines etc).

I will probably go with the asi one in the end.

[GP]

Just take it to rad shop and they will put a new top tank on, Fixed. Mine cost $80 while I waited

[emilmh]

I will run the engine and see if the pressure will give away the leak location.

GP could you explain what/when/how happened with your radiator? Could you see a crack? how bad was it? Were you happy with the repair? etc. Any details or recommendations on where to get a crack fixed?

Cheers

[GP]

Couple of years ago 110000k's, coolant visable along the crimped join of the top tank opposite where the hot water enters. Could not see the crack and the tank wasn't very discoloured. They didn't repair anything, replaced top tank with brand new off the shelf item.

[Mr Morlock]

I am with GP - if you have a radiator prob go to a radiator specialist- the guys that fix them day in day out. Ask the questions / check the prices and check the options- you then can decide.It is pretty easy to talk to a few radiator people. If you buy from the local guy you will get some warranty. I suggest that buying merely on price is not necessarily a good move.