Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted August 29, 2021 Area Representative Share Posted August 29, 2021 Radtech offer discount to L7C members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Up Posted August 29, 2021 Author Share Posted August 29, 2021 Radtec had a full week of production, I explained I needed it - they made it to order and sent within 3 days. Excellent. Im on blue coolant now - 420R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 Does Radtec have designs for all the various radiator options Caterham has used over the years. I appreciate I only need one, but picking the right isn't easy, epecially givent the fitment issues I had during my build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 Mark, not 100% sure it's not spray coming from the hose joint. Mighty be worth cleaning and testing. I know it's clutching at straws but it looks like the hose joint has the most staining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 The hose joint was my first thought, then dismissed it because the leaked coolant would have had to go forward, but it could have sprayed there, certainly wouldn't rule it out. Is there noticeable coolant loss? Might be worth tightening hose clip a little and washing off the leak and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 I've got a mate coming tomorrow morning with radiator test kit, we're going to test it, though I'm pretty confident it's failed. The photograph doesn't show the staining which is on the very top vane. I also wash it down the with a hose, and then watched the system re-pressurize, I can't see anything from the hose.As for coolant loss. Yes and No. I added a tiny amount to the expansion tank during my work, not that it really needed it or that I thought it was low. it was maybe 2mm below the max line, I just aligned it being very precise.If I wasn't coming over for the Taffia, and driving +500miles in the UK I'd just monitor it, but I don't want to risk being stranded or cooking the engine should it get worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 Give Keith @ Alicool a call http://www.alicool.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 I'm probably best going with the original unless I can find someone that knows the exact dimensions, don't forget my radiator has the integrated oil cooler at the bottom.At the moment I can't even find my part code with Caterham, never mind a 3rd party. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Brown Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 Add some radiator sealant (or an egg), keep an eye on it and take a spare bottle, if it hasn't been leaking badly. If you can't get a replacement in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 I have one of these in every carhttps://www.kseal.com/uk/products/k-seal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 it's certainly not the biggest of leaks. I left a piece of paper under the corner all night and this is the result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 As for rad weld etc...forgive my ignorance here, if we were talking a thousand pound shed/run around I wouldn't hesitate putting it in. This is of course my 420 engine, will there be any long term effects to the engine and ancillaries when added. Reduced cooling, an accumulation of residue anywhere, that sort of stuff? Like I say, I'm completely ignorant to this stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Given this evidence, and assuming you didn't run it up to temp and then let it cool, I would be looking to replace. I think I would also investigate a repair to have a spare.PS mine has a 300C0004A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted August 30, 2021 Member Share Posted August 30, 2021 "As for rad weld etc...forgive my ignorance here, if we were talking a thousand pound shed/run around I wouldn't hesitate putting it in. This is of course my 420 engine, will there be any long term effects to the engine and ancillaries when added. Reduced cooling, an accumulation of residue anywhere, that sort of stuff?"I'd have the same concerns.JonathanPS: As I would in changing the coolant to one that isn't recommended for the engine, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Up Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 I called CC and got the exact part number (and price) and then called Radtec who make to the exact part number. It took Stuart 2 hours to fit - and I guess he has done a few! bear that in mind. Lots of shims maybe handy to have too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 I'm going to start another thread on this, as I seem to be going in a different direction now. Hope you can contribute still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Hi Chris, Your part code is the same as mine, though it doesn't appear on the CC parts site.Out of interest how much clearance did you have between the top hanger and top hose/port?Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Hi MarkIt is on the site, but you may want to sit down before clicking the linkhttps://caterhamparts.co.uk/radiators/7114-radiator-and-oil-cooler-seven-420-road-model.html?search_query=300C0004A&results=1 Clearance was ok, but only with my second, slightly softer top hose, which was 2mm small in diameter, without that it would have been a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Did you source an alternative hose then?My mounts are actually just touching the ali port on the rad, I take it yours are well clear then? I've started another thread which shows the images Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Up Posted May 11, 2023 Author Share Posted May 11, 2023 Less than two years on the replacement radiator - well fitted by Premier Power as per previous photos, changed to blue coolant (regular flushing) and Williams spotted a leak yesterday.What can we do? I remember reading recently someone suggesting changing to more flexible hoses could reduce vibration transfer. Does anyone have experience of this? Any other ideas welcome!or are we doomed to a new radiator every other year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted May 11, 2023 Share Posted May 11, 2023 Mine leaked after two and a half years, my solution was to convert back the pre 2018 spec. It was used for 10 year previous without requiring a £700+ radiator replacement every 6 months (as I know some have had). The vibration mounts are significantly large. The top hose isn't stressed. The cooling fan doesn't touch the rad or the grill. The radiator itself is more than half the price of the post 2018 spec. But it's a more expensive route for the initial conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted May 11, 2023 Member Share Posted May 11, 2023 "Less than two years on the replacement radiator - well fitted by Premier Power as per previous photos, changed to blue coolant (regular flushing) and Williams spotted a leak yesterday.What can we do? I remember reading recently someone suggesting changing to more flexible hoses could reduce vibration transfer. Does anyone have experience of this? Any other ideas welcome!or are we doomed to a new radiator every other year!"Thanks for adding that... as I've said a few times I don't think that the reported leaks are caused by the use of inappropriate coolant.I think that most of the suggested stress-relieving interventions are in this thread. The hose falls into that category: IIRC the reported problem was linear loading onto the stub. And there was a suggested explanation based on reuse of existing components from a previous design. I'll see if I can find it.JonathanEdited: Crossed with ChrisC's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted May 11, 2023 Member Share Posted May 11, 2023 Using the silicone hose from the 620.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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