cooling system overhaul, pattern part replacement radiator?

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:26 pm

Evening all

As I will be taking the Freda on a 2000 mile journey in just over a week I have decided on a belt and braces approach to the cooling system as I have been reading lots of horror stories.

I am going to do a complete system flush and refill, replace the thermostat and expansion/rad caps with Mazda genuine ones and was also thinking of the lower temp sensor.

As I have no idea as to the age of the radiator except for the fact that it has been replaced since she came to the UK. I was thinking of replacing this as well to ensure the system is as efficient as possible. Is there any pattern part radiators anyone has experience with and any that should be avoided.

Also realistically how long should a rad last?

Much of this is probably not necessary but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks for your thoughts

David

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 1:46 am

The way I look at it is that the original Mazda radiator has lasted 10, 15 or maybe more years. Will a cheap copy for 1/3 of the price last as long? Probably not. I've seen Wheelquick and AVA sell pattern parts so if you do go down that route, at least they are from reputable suppliers.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:40 am

Simon Jones wrote:The way I look at it is that the original Mazda radiator has lasted 10, 15 or maybe more years. Will a cheap copy for 1/3 of the price last as long? Probably not. I've seen Wheelquick and AVA sell pattern parts so if you do go down that route, at least they are from reputable suppliers.

I agree. What MIGHT be worth doing is fitting a TM2 type engine block temp gauge along with the essential low coolant alarm. If you currently have neither, I believe Haydn Alarms sell a combo unit. That way you should get to know your Bongos heating habits and hopefully avoid overworking it. Make sure also that your scavenger fan is functioning too, as every little helps.

mikexgough · Post by **mikexgough** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 2:52 pm

The pattern one I fitted is now 5 years in service... got mine from Japan auto spares in Coventry... to be honest it was so close to factory it was probably made by one of their suppliers...

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 6:22 pm

So today I fitted a TM1 as I just don't trust the temp gauge even after the mod, it just went too high on the scale for me to be comfortable with it.

With the TM1 fitted and taking it for a test run the temp rose to a max of 93 and then started dropping while stationary so I guess all is working ok

But as I'm not happy with the coolant in it I'm going to do a complete system flush and refill with the Mazda recommended antifreeze/coolant, I know this might cause some false alarms but prepared to deal with that.

While the system is empty I'm going to replace the thermostat and rad caps with genuine ones, along with a new lower temp sender and a replacement elbow for the top of the head with the 3rd pipe so I can ensure it is correctly bled.

Just undecided about replacing the rad at this point.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and help

David

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 6:22 pm

I'll come back with results/final decision shortly

Cheers all

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:46 am

One question I did have, should the expansion tank get hot before the thermostat opens as mine doesn't seem too.

Thanks

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 1:03 am

Sparky6911 wrote:One question I did have, should the expansion tank get hot before the thermostat opens as mine doesn't seem too.

Thanks

Yes it should.

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 1:06 am

Thought so any suggestions?

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 1:12 am

have PM with my phone number call me.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 1:23 am

get my message? puter is playing up?

Sparky6911 · Post by **Sparky6911** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 8:52 pm

Sorry for not replying, mothers day and all that.

I did manage to replace the elbow with a 3 pipe one and bled the system using the see saw method, man that can take a time especially with the help of a 5 year old, but nether the less got it done with no more bubbles coming up.

Left the fun bus for the afternoon and came back to it this evening and thought I would check the level in the expansion tank only to find that a good quantity had been pulled back into the system and had to put about 1/2 a litre back in.

So my question is, is that to be expected?

Thanks

David

cooling system overhaul, pattern part replacement radiator?

cooling system overhaul, pattern part replacement radiator?

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