Is my rad knackered?!

[chuggers72]

OK - I'm ready to get shot down for asking this

I've had a few issues with overheating (i know this subject is popular at the mo and Ive spent hours on the wiki!).

In summary Ive changed the usual parts but still running at 3/4 on the guage.

I need to know how hot a radiator should get after a good run - mine never gets hot (i can generally put my hand on it) although the fan does occasioanlly kick in.

The radiator does look old and shows signs of a historical leak.

Question is : if it only gets warm is it likely to be blocked and need changing?

[shrekwoody]

hi there wot engine you running?

ive recently been thru same nightmare of overheating

ive just replaced my raditor and bled up system in minutes and does seem to run cooler

ive known of another t25 owner that rad was blocked and cost him an engine rebuild!

my old rad was looking tired,and was origanal so 20 years old! if yours same id advise changing it poor finns wont let air pas thru so wont cool hardly anything

and for added peace of mind i replaced rad switch but also into dashboard incorporated a switch so i can manually turn on low speed fan, few quid for sum wiring relay and switch

EURO CAR PARTS BEST DEAL FOR ME RAD £100 & DONT SCRIMP ON CHEAP ANTIFREEZE, USE PROPER STUFF!

HOPE THIS HELPS

GOOD LUCK

[AdrianC]

Question is : if it only gets warm is it likely to be blocked and need changing?

Might be the thermostat, but it does sound like it. It should be as hot as the water - so 85degC plus - within a minute or two of the 'stat opening with the engine idling from cold.

You should be able to feel the heat climbing up the rad from bottom to top once the 'stat opens. Worth also checking the temp of the front-to-rear coolant pipes, they should be hot-hot-hot to the touch, too.

[chuggers72]

Van is a 1.9 DG.

Thanks for the posts on this one - new rad and fan switch ordered from Brickwerks. Have already put new thermo and VW coolant in so ruled those out!

WIll update when I fit them.

[Kwinpenny]

Good skills! I just fitted a new rad, an 80 degree stat, a new rad fan switch and brand new coolant. After fitting the rad it was easier to bleed and the needle now sits bang on the 'LED' or maybe even slightly to the cooler side of half way
For the record my old rad was about twice as heavy as the new one, I'm thinking thats rust, gunk, slime, and maybe rad-weld build up!

Good luck fitting the new parts.

[The Bishop]

Yes it doesn't take long to fit a new Rad.Mine was ligter than the old one although part of me thinks that might be modern day build quality

Anyway, it will certainly help keep things cooler.

If the guage is reading hot and the rad is still cool it suggests a blockage someone up front.

[chuggers72]

Update! Fitted the rad and fan switch. Now running a lot cooler - temp needle now hovers around the led but mostly sits just to the left of it (before the rad it was up towards 3/4!). Still not totally happy though - ive just done a trip to Cornwall and spent most of the time needle watchin! - I would be more relaxed if it sat where it used to which was bang on half way!