S3 Radiators

[S Andy man]

I appear to have a small leak on the Radiator of my S3. Its only a small leak. Should I get a new Radiator or get it repaired. What would be the cost of each & where would I get a new radiator from?

[shaun s3c]

Got mine from Radtec ,lovely job

[S Andy man]

How much was the Radiator? can you buy to fit yourself?

[phillpot]

S Andy man said:

. Its only a small leak.

They all start like that

I'd find myself a reputable local radiator repair specialist and get their advice, possibly able to repair or maybe better to replace the complete "core".

If you're not familiar with this kind of thing this means the complete centre of your rad is replaced and just the header tanks either end and the frame work is re-used ( I'd budget around 150, so £180 with the vat).

Shiny complete new alluminium ones are available (around double that figure?)

For anyone who isn't aware, original radiators are a mix of copper and brass with steel mounting frames or brackets top 'n bottom


ETA... bit more than I thought, Clicky

[Greggbb]

I just had mine re-cored, I think it was about £160 plus VAT and 2hrs labour. I was going to do the fit myself and then wussed out of it.

Best off getting it fixed, though. It is getting cold and you'll lose loads of antifreeze, which is expensive, then if you top up with water you will crack in spectacular fashion.

I like the look of the new ones, but you are looking at £600-£700 in fitting and VAT.

[v8s4me]

Don't chance a repair. Get it re-cored or splash the cash and get a stainless one. Budget around £400 for a Radtech one.

[phillpot]

v8s4me said:

splash the cash and get a stainless one.

Been on the "Vino" Joe ? I'd like to see that !

v8s4me said:

Budget around £400 for a Radtech one.

Nearer £500 with the VAT (see my clicky link above)

[DelboyH]

Someone on here recently mentioned that one of these might make a suitable alternative without too much work:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350573955984?ssPageName=...

Just wondering if anyone has actually tried to fit one? The dimensions certainly look pretty close, and its an ally rad for less than the price of a decent recore.

[Elfit]

My vote goes for a recore.

That's what I did and was pleased with the result.

One advantage is that you know that the radiator will fit as I think there were a few different shapes fitted

[Griffinr]

DelboyH said:

Someone on here recently mentioned that one of these might make a suitable alternative without too much work:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350573955984?ssPageName=...

Just wondering if anyone has actually tried to fit one? The dimensions certainly look pretty close, and its an ally rad for less than the price of a decent recore.

Might be the same external size but what about the thickness?? The standard S rad is double cored.
Rob.

[shaun s3c]

[shaun s3c]

Fabricated stainless surround

[tinks v8S]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C342430