Sigma radiator leak

[roblong1976gmail.com]

I've recently purchased a sigma engined caterham and have noticed a small leak from the radiator.

it only appears to leak when driving as it's not leaking onto the garage floor. 

there only seems to be a small leak at the bottom right closest to the engine when viewed from the front. It doesn't seem to loose much fluid but you can smell it after an enthusiastic drive.

The radiator is black with aluminium top and bottom sections?

any help or suggestions of how to repair or replace would be appreciated.

[Jonathan Kay]

Unfortunately you're not alone. I'll add some links to similar stories.

It's probably repairable. 

This can happen because of stress from the mountings, and this needs to be relieved or it might happen again. That might need some packing washers or some hole opening or some bracket fettling. 

Jonathan

[K7 VCT]

My all aluminium sigma radiator is leaking along the top edge, it collects along the bottom.

All.to common apparently

[Jonathan Kay]

Previous leaks.

Jonathan

[roblong1976gmail.com]

Thanks, that's a really useful link.

is the car safe to drive or is a small leak likely to turn into a big hole? 

[aerobod - near CYYC]

A small weep may just go on forever with no significant change. My R400D radiator leaks about 100ml per year (going by the small top-ups I have to do) and has done since I noticed a small amount of dampness on the inside of the nosecone about 6 years ago, so quite likely also did it when new 9 years ago.

[Jonathan Kay]

As above, there don't seem to be many reports of sudden worsening.

I'd recommend not using DIY or proprietary leak-stopping chemicals.

Jonathan

[roblong1976gmail.com]

Thanks James, I'll keep an eye on how much is being lost and make a call based on that.

it sounds like I'm not alone with this issue which is comforting.