I've got an aluminium Racing Radiator on my 2002 bug eye WRX. Its got a leak coming from plastic drain plug which is on the side of the rad just below the power steering fluid. I've had it pressure tested so i know its the plug. When i had it tested the mechanic managed to nip up the plug so it held pressure but its leaking again now. Any tips on how i can fix it without removing the radiator?

Thanks in advance.

 

if u pull the drain plug out is there a O ring ?(sorry means a drain down)
It may have been over tightened in the first place.

 

I'll try and have a look tonight. If its the O Ring, can i use any O ring from a plumbers merchants or?

 

yeah, there has to be one really

 

Yes, try any LOCAL type garage, they generally have boxes full, take your time, you need one that fits properly and a little grease before refitting.

 

Just had a look and its O ring as i can see the split while its still in place.

Next question any tips or tools i can get to reach in and change it? other than finding someone with thin arms lol

 

cant u go from underneath? its on the bottom corner isnt it.

 

Yes, remove the undertray, then reach up and pull out the plug. If you are any good, you can then use your thumb to block the outlet, while an assistant replaces the old "O" ring and hands the plug back.

Tip: DON'T lie directly under the outlet

 

Thanks. I'd try that but the headers are blocking access from under the car. My only option is from the top or remove the Rad. I dont fancy removing the Rad thou lol

 

And make sure its cooled down

 

Not that difficult, tbh, once it's drained down, takes less than 10 minutes to get the rad off.

 

Any tips for removing the Rad?

Thanks

 

There should be no need to remove the radiator just to replace the plastic plug.

 

Hi Harvey, i've still not had the up pipe installed i'll let u know how it goes when i do. i wanted to know how to remove the rad in case i cant get to the plug to remove it as its in awkward location and i have fat arms lol

 

Easy: disconnect all pipe, taking care with the little one at the top, it's easy to snap the spigot off.

Undobolts holding two large brackets at top, they go between slam panel and rad top.
Undo bolts holding power steering cooler pipe to rad top. Move pipes out of the way.

Disconnect fan wiring and lift rad out. It sits in two rubber donuts underneath it, and the two top brackets have rubber donuts too.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I got a replacement plug with O ring on so i'm going to fix the leak at weekend. Last question. Can i use a pink OAT coolant in a 2002 bugeye WRX?

 

Just do what I did: ask the factor for one suitable for an alloy engine, and with an anti-corrosion additive.

Mine's Carplan pink, but DON'T mix types if you can avoid it

 

ok will do.

Thanks