New radiator required - any advice on which is best

[Simon Jones]

Whilst working under the van today, I noticed there are a few leaks along the lower joint where the metal radiator meets the plastic end, so I'll be ordering a replacement unit ASAP.



I was previously advised by Bellhill Garage to stick with the genuine Madza part rather than a copy. A quick look on ebay brings up a genuine one at £158, a copy from Iezura for £127 or another copy for £114. For the sake of £40, I'm tempted to go for the Mazda one, but wondered what other people have done? Also, I seem to recall some versions have an extra pipe that needs to be blanked off - whats that about then?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[haydn callow]

Some non Mazda rads have a overflow pipe in the neck of the filler where the pressure cap goes. This is not a problem as long as you fit a pressure cap. However if ever things start to get hot and "IF" this pressure cap "blows" before the Expansion cap then apart from blowing coolant all over the underbonnet it could also suck air in. So...its best to fit a bit of proper hose to this overflow stub and put a bung in, being sure to clamp both ends. Also if you do this you could dispense with the pressure cap and put a plain cap on as it is a non requirement to have a pressure cap on the rad.

[welsh winger]

I had the same problem back in the summer, I got a replacement from
http://www.autojapspares.co.uk/

I ordered it at 5pm and it arrived the next day, not the cheapest but I can recommend them.

Nick
Welsh Winger

[vanvliet]

http://www.autojapspares.co.uk/

I ordered it at 5pm and it arrived the next day, not the cheapest but I can recommend them.

So how much was it?

[You've Been Bongod]

simon i had a genuine rad when mine went and have not had any trouble since
wheelquick can supply and fit for around £260 with fresh antifreeze and bled

[dandywarhol]

Cheaply made radiators have a core internals like the one on the left - not very efficient. The one on the right has turbulators to deflect the coolant to the outside of the radiator tubes so it can be cooled more efficiently by the passing air. They cost more to make but make a difference.

Knowing the Bongo's dislike to running too hot - I know which one I'd spend the extra 40 quid on........................

[welsh winger]

http://www.autojapspares.co.uk/

I ordered it at 5pm and it arrived the next day, not the cheapest but I can recommend them.

So how much was it?

The rad was £134 plus postage as I remember £15 or so, for full detail click the link and have a look.
Nick
Welsh Winger

[crackers]

I got one fro Izeura 2 months ago, I had to blank off the overflow pipe next to the filler cap and have had no problems at all, in fact I think it's running slightly cooler than before. (Maybe the old one was full of corrosion/crud)

[Simon Jones]

http://www.autojapspares.co.uk/

I ordered it at 5pm and it arrived the next day, not the cheapest but I can recommend them.

So how much was it?

The rad was £134 plus postage as I remember £15 or so, for full detail click the link and have a look.
Nick
Welsh Winger

Just had a look, & the £134 is ex VAT so with delivery it works out about the same as they have it listed for on ebay. I see BongoBits are a tad more expensive at £211 for the same genuine item

[brorabongo]

I got one fro Izeura 2 months ago, I had to blank off the overflow pipe next to the filler cap and have had no problems at all, in fact I think it's running slightly cooler than before. (Maybe the old one was full of corrosion/crud)

I got the same rad a short while back, (April) and had to do the same with the overflow pipe. So far so good, and like yours Crackers I was running a wee bit cooler, and still am.