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So had a look at my radiator today it’s got a browning colour on the top plastic tank, Peoples thoughts on a replacement radiator?
Michael.

A PWR water/oil combo radiator!

Or for a more affordable option, check out eBay vendors for cooling pro/ASI alloy units. Under $300 for a 42mm one, and they work just fine.
Fwiw, I've had a cooling pro one from justjap in my NB8A track car for 7+ years and it's survived 100+ track days without issue.

Or, cheaper again, ask your local radiator shop what they'd charge to just replace the top tank and pressure clean the radiator. That would be good for another 17 years. Mine was $80 dollars for that 12 years ago. Wisharts in Nth Melbourne if you're Vic.

I'm behind rascal though - it has only done 60 track days since.

redchicken wrote:had a look at my radiator today it’s got a browning colour on the top plastic tank.

All NA & NB OEM radiators go brown - it's the shade of brown that you've got to be concerned about.

Thanks for the reply mate, can you tell me what shade of brown you mean?

Is there a way of testing the radiator to know it’s on its way out?

Any traditional radiator shop will have pressure testing and cleaning equipment. A DIY approach would would just be guessing.

redchicken wrote:can you tell me what shade of brown you mean?

Usually referred to on here as baby sh!t brown, ie light brown.

Thanks for reply mate I am getting the radiator pressure tested tomorrow
Michael

Look for cracking/crazing around the cap/inlet area, especially on the engine side. If there is any of that, the end is nigh!

redchicken wrote:Thanks for reply mate I am getting the radiator pressure tested tomorrow
Michael

In which case I should give you a warning too. Notice I said "traditional" radiator shop earlier? Some of the newer franchise radiator shops will just want to charge you a shedload for supplying and fitting a cheap chinese radiator. In that case you'd be better off just getting one yourself off ebay. Most of them seem to work OK but dimensions can be a bit off and they often need a bit of farnarkling to fit.

Thanks mate is there any on Ebay you would recommend? there so many don’t know which to choose? bear in mind I’m working on a budget

You might not need to buy one at all - if it's not leaking and the car is not showing any signs of overheating then hold off. If you have a budget i.e. other priorities like living then I suggest only do the critical items. I can guarantee that many people driving older cars buy used parts- you just have to have a source who is not selling junk.

OR if you have a few dollars and it's showing signs of aging you can get rid of that time bomb sitting in your engine bay which could potentially leave you stranded or worse cook your engine.