1997 xantia leaking radiator

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redzzed
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1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by redzzed »

Have just got my 1.9td R reg xantia thru it's mot and the radiator has now started leaking badly and draining in 30mins or so .
So i bought some K-seal and put it in and ran the car for a while .The leak seemed to have stopped , but upon returning to it an hour later it is dripping from two places (previously only 1 place).
there are 3 different radiators for my model/year and i beleive i have the most difficult one to fit/install.

I raised the car on max height but cant actually see where the leaks are but seem to be in the region of the bottom right and bottom left of the radiator .
The car will only do me probably for another year.
any ideas or info where u can get another rad. cheaply.
the car is only worth about £400 .

thx for any advice . [-o<
current : 1997 xantia 1.9 td sx a/c
previous cars :
1997 zx memphis td
1996 zx volcane td
1994 zx volcane td
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Peter.N. »

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-XANTI ... 2c6ba70e44" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Zelandeth »

Just bear in mind that if you've got the bayonet fitting hoses at the moment that chances are that you'll destroy them getting them off. So it would be sensible to buy a new top and bottom hose along with the radiator ready to change. Also saves you the massive hassle of trying to detach said hoses from the radiator in one piece which I can tell you from prior experience is at best a maddening experience in most cases. This usually ends up with you destroying the hoses anyway, your knuckles, and several bits of equipment in the general vicinity.
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Stickyfinger »

\if you rad has rotted due to the lower corners getting filled with crud, your Air Con exchanger may be just as bad.
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by redzzed »

thanks for the replies,never used the aircon ,would that make any difference ?

used it this morning and had to fill up completely , so i carried 5 litres with me ,90 mins later
it had used/leaked 1.5 litres .
Last edited by redzzed on 10 May 2015, 11:27, edited 1 time in total.
current : 1997 xantia 1.9 td sx a/c
previous cars :
1997 zx memphis td
1996 zx volcane td
1994 zx volcane td
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Stickyfinger »

other than the condenser rad sits forward of the rad and slows down air flow, not really....but why not fix the AirCon if you can ?
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Peter.N.
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Peter.N. »

Rarely gets hot enough in this country for me to need aircon, none of mine work. :)

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Northern_Mike

Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Northern_Mike »

Stickyfinger wrote:other than the condenser rad sits forward of the rad and slows down air flow, not really....but why not fix the AirCon if you can ?
Well exactly. Aircon is the best invention ever for a car. Keep the filters clean, have nice , fresh dust and pollen free air coming in, set to recirc if your stuck behind something smelly for a while... oh, and it's brilliant for demisting. I can clear all the Berlingos windows (and it has many!) in about 30 seconds flat with the aircon on.

Of course there will be those who say it's not needed here because it's not warm enough (it is!) but the clue is in the name - air CONDITIONING. It's not simply called air COOLING is it?

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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Peter.N. »

It uses energy :wink:
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Northern_Mike »

It might but it's a neglible amount on a modern torquey engine. It has absolutely zero effect on fuel consumption in the Berlingo and apparently none on the C4 either.

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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Stickyfinger »

Agree with Mike, I use throughout the winter to demist as well.......
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by redzzed »

Who s' hijackin me post ??
i have a big nasty dog here and i'll set it on ya !

surprisingly the leakage seems to have reduced ; i didnt drive the car yesterday just left the engine running ,
it's still leaking but not so bad ,maybe the K-seal is settling in , will see how we are tomorrow .
current : 1997 xantia 1.9 td sx a/c
previous cars :
1997 zx memphis td
1996 zx volcane td
1994 zx volcane td
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Stickyfinger
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by Stickyfinger »

not really a thing to trust is it ?...one long drive and some traffic....and that will/99% likely to burst....then it is stuck....£50 and its safe/ less if the hoses are saved.
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by redzzed »


that's great thanks ,but i think its not for 1.9td sx like mine ,probably would fit ,but would need
all new hoses and awkward fitting , will bear it in mind tho thx again.
current : 1997 xantia 1.9 td sx a/c
previous cars :
1997 zx memphis td
1996 zx volcane td
1994 zx volcane td
redzzed
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Joined: 17 Jan 2011, 21:40
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Re: 1997 xantia leaking radiator

Post by redzzed »

It's seems to have stopped , and i am about to travel down the motorway .
no way would it be £50 btw ,more like £300 with the labour/hoses charges .maybe more.

am in the AA also .
got 5 lts water in a bottle in the boot :-)
current : 1997 xantia 1.9 td sx a/c
previous cars :
1997 zx memphis td
1996 zx volcane td
1994 zx volcane td
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