radiator leaking (take 2)

ash · Jul 11th, 2002, 16:33

Hi all.... i've posted before, but can't gain access
so here i go again

i have 95 T5 etstate (850) and my radiator seems to be leaking. I get a few drops over night, and on average it takes 4 weeks for the water to drop from maximum to minimum level.
I've figured out where the leak is, it's between the plastic tank and aluminium matrix.
So my questions are: should i try 'RADWELD' too see if that cures it or should i take out the radiator and see if i can tighten the clamps that hold the plastic tank to the matrix, aswell as apply a gasket.
Can it be reconditioned by 'whomever' or should i just buy a new one from Volvo, who are asking £100 + VAT.
My final question, can i drive the car with a minor water leak without causing associated damage. I commute to work, about a 12 mile round trip daily, most of it in traffic, the car has never overheated
thank you for any replies.

markas · Jul 21st, 2002, 10:28

Hi ya,

Well if you are a sad bugger like me I would buy the new Rad, piping (or even try those blue silicone one from Kalmar-union if you feel adventurous) and clamps from Volvo.

You could also source a new rad from europats or try a breaker to see if they have any without front-end damage to keep the cost down.

In answer to the running with the leak as long as you check it everyday and keep refilling the expansion tank with a 50/50 mix the time being it's a solution but not a long-term fix.

Mark.

ash · Jul 24th, 2002, 09:29

I tried a small bottle of radweld over the weekend..... and sure enough it stopped the leak. I'm impressed with the stuff.
Ok so do i know leave it with the radweld and see how it goes, or do i still search out a new radiator!?!?!

Jul 11th, 2002, 16:33	#1
ash Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2012 23:35 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: brum	radiator leaking (take 2) Hi all.... i've posted before, but can't gain access so here i go again i have 95 T5 etstate (850) and my radiator seems to be leaking. I get a few drops over night, and on average it takes 4 weeks for the water to drop from maximum to minimum level. I've figured out where the leak is, it's between the plastic tank and aluminium matrix. So my questions are: should i try 'RADWELD' too see if that cures it or should i take out the radiator and see if i can tighten the clamps that hold the plastic tank to the matrix, aswell as apply a gasket. Can it be reconditioned by 'whomever' or should i just buy a new one from Volvo, who are asking £100 + VAT. My final question, can i drive the car with a minor water leak without causing associated damage. I commute to work, about a 12 mile round trip daily, most of it in traffic, the car has never overheated thank you for any replies.

Jul 21st, 2002, 10:28	#2
markas VOC Member Last Online: Mar 7th, 2024 14:11 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Stafford	RE: radiator leaking (take 2) Hi ya, Well if you are a sad bugger like me I would buy the new Rad, piping (or even try those blue silicone one from Kalmar-union if you feel adventurous) and clamps from Volvo. You could also source a new rad from europats or try a breaker to see if they have any without front-end damage to keep the cost down. In answer to the running with the leak as long as you check it everyday and keep refilling the expansion tank with a 50/50 mix the time being it's a solution but not a long-term fix. Mark. __________________ Polishing Mark VOC 850 class winner 1998 to 2007 Rejoined 2022

Jul 24th, 2002, 09:29	#3
ash Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2012 23:35 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: brum	RE: radiator leaking (take 2) I tried a small bottle of radweld over the weekend..... and sure enough it stopped the leak. I'm impressed with the stuff. Ok so do i know leave it with the radweld and see how it goes, or do i still search out a new radiator!?!?!

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