Oh the bloody irony ! Radiator on the van

[sternal]

I thought I know its a nice day I'll check the vans radiator and this is what I found





Bottom left that's the only spot that I could see with with any sign of rust/leak...

The irony

Checked the expansion tank its full, its not overheating I let it run for 40 mins hot air comes out fan kicks in etc so I guess Im sitting on a time bomb with this and it needs to be changed ASAP good job I have my spare

I have looked at the wiki page for DIY yes it looks like something I could do if nothing goes wrong but the major factor is time which I don't have 6 day weeks at the mo... what would it take a compatant mechanic time wise ? I thinking yes my mechanic works on diesels but Im not sure I would want him to do a radiator if its not his usual work...

Cost to fit ? I have a new RAD

Im happy to travel within reason Im in north London so A1 is no problem...

Bloody irony !!!!!!!!!!!

[CovKid]

Nah, feel proud Sternal. I don't think I've ever seen a radiator that bad.

I keep thinking its time I changed mine, but looking at yours I reckon mine must have ten years life left in it.

[sternal]

Its not gushing out and id guess its been like this for ages...hence why the tank is full and its working normally

I await replies Im off to Ikea with the kids !

[Ralf85]

The radiator will not take long to fit. However, you may also need new hoses depending upon their state. My rad was ok when I bought my camper, but a previous owner had bodged a repair on a hose just behind the rad - a possible engine failure!With the bodging shown I would not be surprised if the hoses were in a poor state too. Whoever owned the van before you was prepared to cut corners. No point fitting a new rad with any knackered hoses.

The issue will be the time it takes to top the system up properly and bleed the air out of the system. That requires knowledge. Maybe Automerc (haven't used them yet but they've had one or two good reports on the forum). Also, once this has been done, you will find you will need to top the coolant up occasionally as the last of the air is purged from the system over the next few hours driving.

Lastly, have you had a trusted garage give your van the once over? I ask because after seeing this, my guess is that there is probably more bodging elsewhere, that could let you down at the most inconvenient moment, like on holiday. If you haven't, then I recommend you do so, for your own peace of mind. Maybe Automerc?

[sternal]

Hi Ralph

Thanks for the reply yes automerc is very near to home will give them a ring on Monday.

To be fair the rest of the van is fine no bodges which when hopefully when we have a local meet you can have a look and see I only speak the truth the rad looks old and prob is !

I've been using the van to commute to work a few times a week just for a change from the Micra and last summer it used extensively without any real hitches apart from the exploding battery !

Good call on the hoses.

Only thing I can see being an issue with automerc is supplying own rad if it's like any of the other specialist garages that are local they hopefully won't have their head up their bottoms !

[Ralf85]

So have you had somebody give your van a thorough once over?

Doesn't matter if your mate is a diesel specialist. He just needs to check for things that look bad eg hoses, electrics etc. He can also fit you radiator for you, as long as he knows how to properly fill up the coolant. If he's not sure, you can refer him to the wiki for guidance. Give him a call and save yourself some cash!

[sternal]

Hi

Sorry yes it's been looked over by my main car mechanic and the army diesel specialist both said same thing seems in good nick and the service history is complete even if it's in German ( someone at work translated for me). I'm happy engine wise and it doesn't have any electrical gremlins.

[sternal]

...the bit of tissue I strategically placed by the said leak hasn't got any wetter and I have used the van today and judging by the rust it looks like its been like that for a while...

Hey ho its off to the mechanic it goes !

[CovKid]

May well only leak when system is under pressure and everything is hot. You sure its not just rain that has trickled down there? It does look like you still need a new rad but it may not be leaking just yet.

[300CE]

While its out Sternal, you may as well change the sensor switch & check over the condition of the fan & it's housing too.

The housing can go really rusty if it has been holding water so worth cleaning up and spraying with something like waxoyl or dynax.

[sternal]

You sure its not just rain that has trickled down there? It does look like you still need a new rad but it may not be leaking just yet.

I doubt it looks to wet for that

sensor switch

do you mean the fan switch ?

[300CE]

You sure its not just rain that has trickled down there? It does look like you still need a new rad but it may not be leaking just yet.

I doubt it looks to wet for that

sensor switch

do you mean the fan switch ?

Sorry mate, yes, meant the radiator fan switch.

[sternal]

Good call I put a new one in last year but for the sake of £10 a new one will be fitted !

[sternal]

Just for an update Automerc want £90 per hour labour inc VAT...the guy reckoned 3 hrs ! (well he would as that price)

I think certain mechanics feel they can charge these absurd prices as they naturally think you have spare £££ just because you own an old van ! Quite obviously there are mugs out there that will pay that sort of money...

[California Dreamin]

More likely a ' spoiler' price ... An over inflated estimate given to a customer to put them off or make the job lucrative if accepted.
I would say 2.5 hours but definitely not at £90 an hour...more like £45 - £55.

Martin