Radweld or Repair/Re-core

[page3]

Hi all

My S is currently undergoing a full service at str8six to sort out all the overheating issues I've been experiencing over the last year once and for all. Basically, the water pump failed, taking out the thermostat and fan switch. Also a few hoses were worn and clips not tight enough (or using rusted clips). The swirl-tank cap was also faulty!

So far I've been impressed with their finding and feedback, and was expecting the car back today.

However, final tests revealed a small hole in the radiator which no-one else had spotted. The radiator is about 5 years old and otherwise is in good working order. I've been given the choice of Radweld or sending it off for repair. The repairers will decide if a re-core is necessary based on the damage.

I've heard conflicting things about Radweld, and it seems to me that I took the S to str8six precisely because I wanted an expert's opinion, so it would seem daft not to act on their findings and get the radiator properly fixed.

Does this sound the right course of action?

[ketvrin]

I would not trust Radweld other than as a get-you-home repair... given you have had the whole system sorted it would seem daft to skimp on a proper repair of the radiator. I'm guessing your judgement is being swayed by the desire to have your car back today... understandable, but get the re-con done and you will be able to forget about the cooling system

that would be my advice...

K

[Gerald-TVR]

I used radweld as a temprory fix a while ago and developed strange red goo in the water. There a good chance the repair woont be that expensive, I had a rad repaired for £40 + vat. I would do the job properly especially having all the other work done

[ChrisGadd]

As Kev says, Radweld is a get you home solution. My experience is that putting gunge into you cooling system is not a great idea and you will always have in the back of your mind that little fault that will come back to bite you when you least want it

[Last S4]

I am surprised they are even suggesting Radweld for anything other than a temporary job.
You might as well crack a raw egg in the radiator.

[ketvrin]

Last S4 said:

I am surprised they are even suggesting Radweld for anything other than a temporary job.
You might as well crack a raw egg in the radiator.

if you go that route remember its just the white you use...

[page3]

I was taken through three options 1) Radweld 2) Fix (and re-core if necessary) and 3) new stainless radiator.

Went with option 2.

Seems like I made the right decision

My car might not look pretty, but money has been spent where it matters.

[tvrgit]

Have to go with the advice of the others here - I wouldn't be putting Radweld into any cooling system, far less one as marginal as a TVR's.

A proper recore will cost about £130, for that you get it back effectively as new. It's a no-brainer IMHO...

[tozerman]

I had my radiator recored recently and it cost me £180 but I have to give Nottingham Radiators a mention as they did a great job. I didn't realise just how bad the old one was, the temp is now a lot more stable and returns to normal temp (just below 90 degrees) much quicker when the fan kicks in. I did try radweld but it didn't work at all. Get it done properly no false economy here please.
Cheers.....Tony..

[Roy C]

tvrgit said:

A proper recore will cost about £130, for that you get it back effectively as new. It's a no-brainer IMHO...

[page3]

str8six charge more than £130, but they have the car and will deliver it back when done

[page3]

Just had a call from str8six. Car all ready

Hopefully they'll be able to deliver it back tonight, or I'll find a way of getting there to collect tomorrow.

I MISS MY S

Edited by page3 on Friday 15th May 16:29