Radiator replacement

[RobEvans]

Hi radiator gone on seam so will be replacing, when the radiator is removed what's the best way to flush the system cause at the moment there's red antifreeze in it (put in by previous owner) and I want to put in universal blue coolant. Then the fun will begin my first bleed, thanks to u tube and members sheets I should be ok cheers rob

[Simon Jones]

This topic was covered just the other week:

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... ilit=+Glue

May be easier to flush while the current rad is in place by just removing bottom hose and using a hosepipe adapter like I made:

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... sh#p517058

[RobEvans]

Cheers simon

[RobEvans]

This topic was covered just the other week:

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... ilit=+Glue

May be easier to flush while the current rad is in place by just removing bottom hose and using a hosepipe adapter like I made:

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... sh#p517058

Sorry to bother you again Simon
Looking at this again the water level in header tank is ok, the radiator is damp on the seam but on removing the cap there's no pressure, do you think that the system over pressured causing rad to go. What happened is went on journey for 30 mins and when returned noticed steam coming from rad, header tank water level was about an inch above maximum does this point to the thermostat. Also temp gauge was normal no coolant alarm warning. Have had van for year with no overheating issues.
Thanks rob

[wonkanoby]

the way the system works the top left of the rad as you look in to bonnet

gets hot all the time with hot water coming from hose from exp tank.

this must create some warping of the plastic over time and hence a weak spot

as they all seem to fail in the same place

[Simon Jones]

The seal between the end caps and the main core is a very common failure point and is usually just down to age. If there was a problem with too much pressure I would expect the cap on the expansion tank to blow which would result in the coolant level dropping when cold. A faulty thermostat would tend to result in the coolant temp being too high or too low.

Personally, I don't think you've got anything to worry about. Change the radiator as it is faulty anyway, then flush (even if you you flush it first) to remove any bits from the new rad. Have a read up on changing the radiator: it's not difficult but it's easier if you can get the van off the ground as you need to remove the pipes that go to the gearbox (if automatic) and these need to be clamped or blocked up to prevent the transmission fluid leaking out.

[RobEvans]

Thanks so much will order new radiator tomorrow, really appreciate your time and knowledge cheers rob