Cooling

my car keeps overheating (head gasket just blown) so after investigation have found a leak in the pipes underneath and the radiator
will replace the steel pipes with copper but need a new radiator
any-one have a good one or do I buy new from 'Bayless'
if so is the 1300 the same as the 1500??
thanks in anticipation
Mark

Hi Mark,
I would suggest getting your existing radiator re-cored. They will re-use the tanks and frame.
You need to find a local radiator repair business. The cost would probably be about £150-£200, but a lot cheaper than importing one from the USA.
1300 radiators are the same as 1500s as far as I am aware.

If you are replacing your head gasket it will be worth getting the flatness of your head checked and possibly re-machined if necessary. (apologies if I'm telling you what you already know)

While you've got the cooling system apart it would be worth checking the condition of the water pump and the metal pipe feeding into it. That can corrode and start leaking.

Andy

I replied and thanked but I think my reply then disappeared
I appreciate your help and will take on your advice

Many thanks
Mark

Hi Mark, no worries, if you need any further help shout up.

I've had plenty of cooling issues !!

Also, if you search the forum for cooling there will be alot of older posts that may throw something else up.

the only other thing was I am replacing the steel pipes with 35mm copper (as a heating engineer)
a lot cheaper but a bit time consuming
can you see any issue with this?

Are you sleeving the copper pipes inside the existing steel ones?
To remove the old pipes requires the removal of the box section underneath the car. This involves drilling out about 50 spot welds. However, hopefully you can slide your copper ones through the existing ones and thus save the above trauma.

I guess you could say that the reduced diameter of the pipes might restrict the flow a bit, but it is probably a negligent amount.
Also worth getting a new set of hoses while your at it. Eurosport or similar do a full set.

Box section removed
Will replace pipes complete and retack box section
Have new hoses, just the radiator to repair or replace?

Ahh you've already removed the box section. So you're halfway there.

Let us know how you get on with this. Good luck.