What radiator for FI

[gen3ss]

Couldn't find much with a search on this, so sorry if its been covered.


Having trouble with genuine radiators mainly the side plastic tanks splitting or letting go, the original lasted 4 yrs or so, then got the blower and lasted 2 weeks then got a new one and lasted a month or so.
Have heard others having to return genuine radiators recently aswell.

So got a refund and have ordered a PWR aluminium. But they said 2 weeks, then 2.5 weeks, then 3 weeks now today another 2-3 weeks, so i'm sick of waiting.

Just wondered what any one suggests or uses N/A or FI.

I heard the Aussie desert aluminium radiators are pretty good with good warranty????



Cheers Trent.

[Martin_D]

Sounds like you have a blown engine.....and not the supercharged type dude :(

[vuss383]

I'd definatly be looking to find what is pressurising the cooling system ! Hopefully for your sake it's just a head gasket problem & nothing more serious like a crack in 1 of the sleeves ! A well working cooling system will not pressurise the tank at all as it is it's own sealed system .

DON'T ignore this issue & all the best in finding the cause .

[gen3ss]

Sounds like you have a blown engine.....and not the supercharged type dude :(


Wouldn't it loose performance if its blown or some other sign like head gaskets??? Or playing up on start up.

I did speak to matt@ G&D and he said they had experienced the same problems and has had to send a few back to Holden.

It's really only the one replacement radiator that has caused the problem and it seeped from day one, the end result being coolant seeping around the tanks.
The original did the same but was nearly 5 yrs old, holden said it was common at around 5 years for these???

Cheers.

[Martin_D]

Ok then Matts given you all the answers you need.....no need to ask here then? :confused:

[vuss383]

I agree with Martin on this 1 , why ask here whan you have been advised from a reputable shop ! Helps others to help you if you give all the available information at the begining of a thread !

[VSFAN]

I'd definatly be looking to find what is pressurising the cooling system ! Hopefully for your sake it's just a head gasket problem & nothing more serious like a crack in 1 of the sleeves ! A well working cooling system will not pressurise the tank at all as it is it's own sealed system .

DON'T ignore this issue & all the best in finding the cause .

A well working Cooling system has to be pressurised otherwise as we all know water/ coolant boils if not under pressure. 10 -15 psi is normal.

PWR is worth the wait. They would't be busy if they wern't any good. I've often had to wait 5 weeks for custom radiators.

[vuss383]

A well working Cooling system has to be pressurised otherwise as we all know water/ coolant boils if not under pressure. 10 -15 psi is normal.


Sorry , I should have stated : ABOVE STANDARD PRESSURE !!!!

I was refering to a point that it would be causing the tanks to leak at the seams or to split the tank ! Maybe I also need to be clearer when posting ..

[VSFAN]

Sorry mate. The plastic tanks obviosly become brittle, being plastic and all that and split quite easily. Personally i've seen them split between 3-5 years and others i've seen are still original upto 12 years old (vr- vs). :)

[VX2VESS]

radiator shops, or good radiator shops can replace the end tanks. they have the tools that unlock them and reseal those folded edges. they have replacement tanks usually in stock...natrad do them at least the shop in my area does.

Is the radiator is mounted the factory way with nothing pushing/stressing on it? if not mounted stress free they will leak prematurely.

my fans were mounted with 4 screws, but the new end tanks had slots at the bottom (that the mounts slipped into) so only needed two screws when i got it back. i think if you made a bracket that mounted the fans off the radiator or at least took some stress of it. the tanks would last even longer.

[VSFAN]

Just read the original post again and having fitted the harrop blowers i wonder if you have an intercooler. if so it's possible the front cooler bracket could have been drilled slightly out of whack when being fitted and be putting stress on the radiator tanks. As the front cooler bolts to the tanks indirectly through the A/C condensor brackets. Just a thought... depends on where your tanks have been cracking might give you an idea.

[gen3ss]

Ok then Matts given you all the answers you need.....no need to ask here then? :confused:

If you read the post i asked what other radiators were being used by other people out there,

EG. Brands?


I agree with Martin on this 1 , why ask here whan you have been advised from a reputable shop ! Helps others to help you if you give all the available information at the begining of a thread !



I didn't ask for a diagnosis I asked this-



Just wondered what any one suggests or uses N/A or FI.

I heard the Aussie desert aluminium radiators are pretty good with good warranty????



Cheers Trent.


Obviously cant post a thread without coping a bashing, which is what happens to everyone on here!


Moderator please delete this before it gets out of control like so many other threads.

[BigJim]

Yep the tanks definately go. Mine has just had a similar problem in my GTO. Transmission cooler lines split in the radiator most likely the age but car is not that old. New radiator all good now.

I could see the plastic tanks having some issues. They dont look like they seal real well after i have been breaking apart my old radiator tanks to have a look inside.