Radiator Repair Stuff

adamjp · Postby **adamjp** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 6:20 pm

Does anybody know of a radiator repair putty/gel/silicone like substance that I can use to try and seal the cracks in the plastic end tanks?

You may recall that I initiated the group buy back in March because of the cracks in my radiator. I am refilling the car daily, cannot drive more than 150km before more water is required and cannot dare leave it out overnight (not that I would normally) as there is no anti-freeze in there. Not a big issue in Sydney or Brisbane, but south of Canberra, it IS an issue.

Since Mania are being their usual elusive and uncommunicative selves I have no idea when the aluminium radiator I have actually paid for will be delivered. Three weeks ago there was a vague promise that they were 'in customs', but that is clearly crap! :evil:

Offers of a temporary stock replacement have not materialised into anything and the whole affair just reinforces my thoughts on what are good and bad business practices.

timk · Postby **timk** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 7:25 pm

I used one of those radiator repair kits from Super Cheap Auto. It is a two part thing you mix up and paint on over a sheet of fibreglass. Seems to do the trick for now, my PWR 40mm has been ordered though!

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:31 pm

Take it to a radiator place and get a new top tank fitted. You can always sell that radiator when the new one (eventually) arrives.

adamjp · Postby **adamjp** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:23 pm

Take it to a radiator place and get a new top tank fitted. You can always sell that radiator when the new one (eventually) arrives.

Thought about that, the bottom is also old, as it the core. IMHO it is not worth the work.

I will go and lurk at an auto parts place.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:16 pm

It's the top tanks that take all the punishment usually. They will normally clean out the core before fitting a new top tank. You'd be surprised how good the core may be................unless no inhibitor has been used for a long period, then all bets are off.

Postby **Okibi** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 6:57 pm

Is there someone in your local MX-5 club who can lend you a radiator until yours arrives?

I'm sure someone's gone aftermarket and has a spare OEM one laying around.

Fuzzlet · Postby **Fuzzlet** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:43 pm

Dont give up on mania - I was in there and they were rather busy. How long ago did you order your radiator? It took 6 weeks for PWR to deliver my radiator...even then it was wrong, so was another 6 weeks for the replacement to arrive