Radiator Beautification

[Rocky]

I was cleaning around the front of the MX5 yesterday and noticed that the radiator was looking pretty secondhand. Well, it would after 24 years, I suppose. I cleaned all the bits of bug out of the mesh with a toothbrush and it looks a bit better but I was wondering if a spray with WD40 might arrest the light oxidation/corrosion that is typical of a radiator of this age.
Is there any reason you can think of why a light spray would not be a good idea?

[93_Clubman]

Never tried it, but spraying with WD40 or RP7 might slow some signs of corrosion, however you'd probably have to do it regularly, which might encourage a build-up debris on the front of the rad, which would then potentially need more frequent cleaning.

[greenMachine]

If that is the stock rad with plastic tanks, it is loooong overdue for replacement. It ages, the plastic deteriorates and one day you have a catastrophic failure as a chunk of the tank just breaks away. Don't even think about doing anything with/to it, just get a new one in ASAP.

If alloy, metal polish FTW.

[Rocky]

Yep, she is the original. It has probably travelled pretty well due to the way the car is used - hour-long highway run once a week and then the bonnet lifted for cool-down so the plastic and rubber doesn't sit there and cook. But I take your point - 24 years is a long life for a radiator and I should replace it BEFORE I have any problems.

[The American]

Hi Rocky, I hope you are well.

The usual clue with the original radiator is the colour of the tanks. If it is brown rather than black, it is probably ready to split. For an original car, a new OEM rad would be nice, but expensive. The EBay aluminium replacements are a cheaper alternative, that seems to work well.
Cheers,
Hanson

[Rocky]

Hi H, thanks for the tip. The colour of the top tank is starting to take on a slightly brown tinge and on close inspection there is a lot of fine crazing visible as well. I think you guys are right that it is time to replace it. I will make a date with the local Dealer. (I wonder if they would only send it out to a radiator workshop - maybe I should cut out the middleman?)

[93_Clubman]

will make a date with the local Dealer. (I wonder if they would only send it out to a radiator workshop - maybe I should cut out the middleman?)

Suspect the dealer will bin that & fit a new OEM or OEM-ish replacement, which as H suggests might be exy. The all alloy replacement rads are used by a number, however it depends on if you want to retain a more original look, ie top & bottom black plastic tanks, or are happy for an all alloy rad.

OEM/OEM-ish:
https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/koy ... gJkA_D_BwE

Or all alloy:
https://mx5mania.com.au/products/alumin ... -1998-2004

Top scroll to the right line give an idea of the prices out there:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mx5+nb+ ... s-wiz-serp

[greenMachine]

Those cracks are the precursor to catastrophic failure. Normally a chunk breaks away and it empties more or less instantly, unless you see it happen engine damage is almost inevitable.

[bruce]

Yes, they'd fit one of the OEM style plastic tank radiators. One big distributor here in Melb supplies all the repair shops, panel beaters, etc, CoolDrive.

[Rocky]

Thanks for that Guys. I have now done some searching for suppliers of radiators and hoses (thanks for those references, Clubman).
MX5 Mania seems to have the best gear. Years ago when I bought MX5 stuff I had a problem with the actual supply of products which took months. I don't want to wait months before I can get the work done. I will have a talk with the Dealer and my regular mechanic and see where they would get parts and how long that might take. Looks like about an $1000. job based on costs of parts and labour although no doubt a Dealer would find ways to push that well over a grand. (thinking a 3 hour job)

[93_Clubman]

Should be $500 maximum based on round figures of $200 rad, $100 labour, $50 coolant, plus hoses if they look like they need replacing. Then again, we've had a pandemic, so everything's gone up at least 33% to 50%!

[Craig]

https://mx5mania.com.au/products/copy-o ... -1998-2004

[greenMachine]

I'm thinking 1 hour.

Drain coolant. Two nuts, unclip the fan connection, undo two hose clamps, remove radiator. Transfer fan(s) to new radiator, reinstall, refill with clean coolant. Bleed/burp coolant. Job done .

Might want to replace the hoses too, as I guess they are also original? The lower hose can be a pain, but if replacing hoses just cut the b******d and clean up when the radiator is out.

[Rocky]

My costing is:
New Radiator= $250. plus shipping to Workshop in Rocky $30. min. (Koyorad $225., Mania $250.)
Full hose set (8 hoses per Mania package) $110 plus shipping - maybe $20.
New coolant = $25.
Minimum 2 hours Labour @ $140./hr. (probably 3 hours if I know how this works)
Total: $700. +
I will have a chat with the Dealer tomorrow and see if I can get a quote on the job. If Genuine Mazda parts then the sky is the limit.
I will see if my local mechanical workshop is interested in the job and they will probably have their preferred sources of parts but I will pass on my research. I like the look of the brushed aluminium radiator but I am not prepared to wait for one to be shipped from O/S. I will take whatever is available NOW. The 'Koyorad' radiator that Clubman references would be fine. I will be dead before it wears out. Water Pump and belts was replaced by Dealer 2 years ago.

[93_Clubman]

like the look of the brushed aluminium radiator but I am not prepared to wait for one to be shipped from O/S.

If you go all alloy, there shouldn't be any need to wait for one from O/S as many are made here.