ZX TD leaking radiator

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Insect
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ZX TD leaking radiator

Post by Insect »

My 18-month old radiator in my ZX Td has sprung a leak this morning. At £95 a time I'm going to try a leak-sealer before I replace it (I've already replaced 2 in the past!) There is a slight heater matrix leak too, so I'm hoping to cure both problems at once. This forum seems divided on leak sealers. I'll let you know what I use and how successful it is.
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.
Dave Burns
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Post by Dave Burns »

Radiator and matrix both at the same time, I'd check for a head gasket problem there, could be overpressurising the system.

Failing that bang some sealer in, at 200 odd thousand its probably not worth spending much on, so not much to loose.

Dave
Insect
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Post by Insect »

I've added a bottle of 'Radweld', and though this seems to have slowed the radiator leak it hasn't stopped it. Looks like another replacement rad will have to go in.
What puzzles me is the reason for the early demise of these radiators. I don't think that there is any over-pressurising problem with my ZX, and I've replaced the antifreeze at the correct intervals so it shouldn't be corroding from the inside.
It has been suggested to me that these aluminium-cored radiators are very susceptible to external corrosion due to road salt and/or physical damage. If this is the case, is there any advantage in giving the new rad an extra coat of paint before I install it to reduce its propensity to corrode?
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.
mezuk04
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Post by mezuk04 »

I presume your from the UK?
Maybe you need a new source for your radiators, Where are you currently buying them from?
Volkswagen Golf 59' 1.6TD S :(
jeremy
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Post by jeremy »

Is there any significance in your reference to 'An extra coat of paint?'

Aluminium radiator cores are never painted as standard. The core structure is much finer than the old copper/steel ones and painting woould probably clog it. As its alloy the thing would probably have to be an etch which is usually phosphoric acid.
jeremy
James.UK
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Post by James.UK »

I always silicone spray my radiator (and almost everything else in sight) when ever I am messing around under the bonnet. It's cheap, quick, easy to do, and helps to prevent any rust or external acid damage to your radiator core and other bits. :)

I prefer to use Fortes rad seal, it stays fluid in the system for ages and does a good job in my experience.. :)
James. (Nr M67 East of Manchester).
Dark Blue ZX 1.9D Auto 1994 'L' 5 dr (modified) Aura. 98K miles used daily. Ave mpg 40
Wedgewood Blue 75 CTD auto Connoissaur. 2002. 144k. used daily. ave mpg 40 ish.
Insect
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Post by Insect »

Thanks for all your replies.
I'm UK-based (Shropshire) and have bought the previous 2 radiators from specialists; reputable makes as far as I know. Both have gone in the lower part of the matrix, more or less centrally, ie not at a joint or anything. Maybe it's been triggered by a stone or similar? I live in a very rural area with lots of detritus, stones, sticks, mud etc on the roads so it's not impossible.
I'll probably go to GSF for the next one.
I take the point about paint. The silicone doesn't sound like a bad idea, though.
The Fortes leak stopper has been mentioned before, but I haven't seen it in local suppliers. Is it trade only?
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.
James.UK
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Post by James.UK »

Fortes is not a trade only product, but it doesn't seem to be distrubuted very well. You can probably place an order some from your nearest car parts shop.. :)

If you get some some, drain and refill your system before you put it in, don't mix it with radweld... :shock: :(
James. (Nr M67 East of Manchester).
Dark Blue ZX 1.9D Auto 1994 'L' 5 dr (modified) Aura. 98K miles used daily. Ave mpg 40
Wedgewood Blue 75 CTD auto Connoissaur. 2002. 144k. used daily. ave mpg 40 ish.
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