ali rad reliability-need some reassurance

ali rad reliability-need some reassurance

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Discussion

mongoose

Original Poster:

4,360 posts

262 months

Wednesday 9th April 2003
quotequote all
just about to replace the new leaking radiator(cerbie type)on my griff-see late type radiator thread..the first new replacement that was sent leaked worse than my old rad! on delivering its replacement,the delivery man quipped "they get no end of trouble with these ali ones" apparently leaks on new ones are common where the plastic ends join the aluminium core.was this guy just exagerating the problem out of all proportion,or is there some truth in this?am i about to (if this new replacements ok)make my griff less reliable than with the old type rad? im getting worried now

shpub

8,507 posts

279 months

Wednesday 9th April 2003
quotequote all
Real proper motorsport ally rads (welded seams etc) are pretty good but they do not like fans etc bolted onto them and need good isolated mounts. Ally is a soft metal and bends/tears fairly easily. Most modern cars have ally rads these days.

So I don't think there is a problem with the rad itself but there might need some thinking in a Griff where rad flexing does occur.

>> Edited by shpub on Wednesday 9th April 12:13

alex.mcintosh

200 posts

285 months

Friday 11th April 2003
quotequote all
The radiator in my Chimaera needs replacing very soon. Have been recommended by the dealer to use the ali one. Therefore I am also interested in hearing any reliability comments before I go ahead....

shpub

8,507 posts

279 months

Friday 11th April 2003
quotequote all
The cheapest way forward is to get the old one recored. About 2/3 the cost of a new one but there is a delay while the rad is done.

aitkindrum

41 posts

266 months

Sunday 13th April 2003
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just had new ali rad and when diy fitting found that sited in bottom locators found that needed 3 spacer washers and a nut as spacer total 10-15mm on passenger side so rad rested level ish prior to tightening nuts. obviously previous standard rad had inherent twist when mounted and maybe contributed early demise. havnt yet driven car as other issues so dont know if successful. ada

alex.mcintosh

200 posts

285 months

Tuesday 13th May 2003
quotequote all
How are the ali radiators now? All OK?

aitkindrum

41 posts

266 months

Tuesday 13th May 2003
quotequote all
alex
thanks for concern..my ali rad ok at the moment..touch wood..also fitted act silicon hoses and modwise twin stage cooling kit and happy to date with all.
ada

mongoose

Original Poster:

4,360 posts

262 months

Wednesday 14th May 2003
quotequote all
mines been no problem scince fitting-800 miles ago.would just advise you try and get a new one checked prior to fitting!