adpd

Bit gutted to discover my radiator is leaking water

Need to sort this out as it is emptying the coolant in a couple of days. The anti-freeze is bankrupting me quicker than the optimax :shock:

I haven't found the exact place of the leak, but know it is definately coming from the top left side of the rad (as you are looking into the engine bay).

So... what should I do? What is Radweld like? Worth a shot?

If not, where should I buy a new one from (MY95 WRX - that is with climate control, so it has 2 fans)?

How much will it be to buy a new one?
How much is the labour charge for changing it?

Thanks in advance.

adpd

Radiator is still leaking... so BTTT



Anybody?

adpd

One last BTTT before I just let the snow keep it cool

Olly P

I wouldn't bother with radweld. I'm pretty sure it will only be a temporary fix. IMHO I would go to a subaru breakers or a motor factor for a replacement rad. As for cost sorry not a clue. As for labour I'd have a go yourself. I've just been out and had a quick look and it seems to be just a few bolts and hoses. I've changed them on other cars and it was pretty easy. Hope this helps

adpd

Thanks Olly... that might be the best option.

RLE

iTrader: (2)

adpd-you can do it yourself mate. Was a bit messy for me mind but took about an hour.

Bugger the Radweld. I went for a new one. Think it was £188.00 but at least you'll know its sorted. To be honest I rang round the breakers for one-There were loads for a WRX but nothing for a UK one. Then thought I could get one that springs a leak in a week or so anyway so best go for new.

This is without the fans. I just took mine off and reconnected. Jobs a good one!!

skoosh

Hi mate, I replaced the radiator on my uk wagon, be aware of a couple of fitting points:

1) If you can, when disconnecting any of the hoses, try and block the end of the hose with bluetack, it helps to save the expensive anti-freeze.

2) DO NOT try to unscrew the fan bolts too much, they are located at the bottom of the radiator core, engine side, once slightly loosened you'll find that they are slotted on BEWARE of snapping these bolts.

3) Don't buy from a subaru dealer, the core will cost you nearly 200 quid, I got a core from a radiator specialist for about 65-70 quid.

4) Take a good half hour to fill the cooling system so as not to get any airlocks.

Hope this helps, give us a ring if you like, email me and I'll reply with number.

The radiator guy is in Stoke on Trent area.

Good luck.

Skoosh.

adpd

Skoosh,

Thanks for your generous offer... YHM.

Just to keep this thread up to date:

I have a MY95 WRX, and have discovered that I am losing coolant. I had a leak from a piece of metal to the right of the throttle body... but changed that part and stopped the leak.

I am still losing coolant, albeit at a slower rate. Takes a couple of days to empty the coolant.

The last 2 days haven't seen it lose any coolant, so not too sure what is going on?

I can't see where the leak is, but there is rusty water stains on the top left of the radiator... so it must be coming from around there. Could be a split pipe or a cracked rad... not too sure.

Also, on occasion... when I have the heating on I can smell something a little funny coming into the car. This might be the occasions when the coolant has all but run out... but can't be sure that this is when it is happening.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

RLE

iTrader: (2)

Its great advice from Skoosh. Agree with the bolts mine nearly broke off and the hose does need blocking otherwise it goes everywhere!!

As I say mine was a similar issue but unlike you I didn't really see any loss of liquid mine was the smell of the lost coolant drying out when the engine was warm. Anyway eventually notice the problem when steam was bellowing out of the scoop. Under the bonnet and while it was stood I couldn't see anything despite the revs. Tightened all clips and hoses and thought I'd cured it but a run down the road on boost showed I still had a problem.

Luckily I had an instrument to hand that allowed me to recreate the pressure and we found a tiny pin ***** of a hole. Do you know any mechanics? Forget what they call these things but it will quickly identify where the problem lies!!