Time for a new radiator?

Oni · Postby **Oni** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 5:37 pm

Hi all

I have a MS and i was sitting in traffic today after work data logging, checked my temps and watched them go from 87-100degrees while sitting in traffic, fan was running ( could hear it and later checked visually when home ). as soon as i moved again temps dropped. When i was home i had a look and tehre was coolant getting past the rad cap and trickling down onto the radiator below.

Does this mean i need a new rad cap?
I have the OEM Rad still and its turning white / grey should i just get a new unit all together?
I know 100deg is high ( thought still normal on the temp gadge, silly dumb gadge ) is it high enough that it could have caused an issue?

Cheers
Scott

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:36 pm

get it checked. If the radiator has never been cleaned or the coolant not regularly changed ( like most of us) then its possible its working below par. The temp gauge will tell you if the car is overheating or there may be some other sign / smell. If the radiator cap is suspect you can always replace it. My guess is that it is available from Bursons or a rad specialist.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:53 pm

The top tank can be replaced if the rest of the radiator is OK, which they generally are. 100 degrees idling in traffic is OK if it comes back down on the move. The temp gauge has a range of temps where it indicates "normal" - once it starts heading to the high side, the coolant is getting very hot.

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:39 pm

Stock thermostat dosent fully open until about 92, so 100 isn't crazy.

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Oni · Postby **Oni** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 8:13 am

Awesome guys thanks for putting my mind at rest. I checked my rad cap and bits of the rubber seal have perished so i might have a think about my next steps, im going FI again soon so ill be adding so extra heat + a few track sessions so a larger capacity / better fan setup on the rad might not be a bad idea as ill have a FMIC blocking it.

Cheer
Scott

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 9:53 am

Hey Scott,

When I had a Link/FM ecu in my NA6 I could monitor the actual water temp. I found that the dash temp gauge didn't move until the coolant temp hit 104c.

J.