Radiator problems and questions

[eoptio]

Hi all

I put a new radiator in our Freda in Dec 09 and found this morning it was leaking at the top where the metal meets the plastic. I won't mention suppliers, but must say I am not impressed with a new radiator starting to leak within 2 years...Luckily we found out whilst at home, looks like it had only just started to leak, low coolant/Mason alarms had not yet gone off whilst driving.

So now we'll need a new radiator, my main question is: any recommended suppliers?

At the same time I was thinking to replace the silcone hoses installed in dec 09 with normal ones as feedback on the silcone hoses did not seem to have been great (although I have had no issues), any thoughts?

Anything else recommended to be changed in the cooling systems whilst it is all apart, NB thermostat was also changed in dec 09 but not with a genuine MAZDA one dso I guess that would be best changed as well, what's the part no (2.5TD)?

thanks all.

K

[Northern Bongolow]

the rad will have probably leaked as a direct result of the stat not performing correctly,letting the coolant temps and therefore pressures in the system rise. or a fan switch fault.
on the tests i have just completed the gen mazda stat opens when the pressure in the system is at 10 pounds per sq inch, when the stat looses control at 96 deg c the fans kick in,this pressure is at 12-13 pounds.
as the system and the cap are only designed to operate at 16 pounds (1.1 bar) it only takes a little more heat/pressure to pop the weakest link in the system, this could be a spongey hose,or an old pump or anything. if the system condition is fairly good th rise in pressure usually blows the expansion cap and dumps the coolant.

suggest you change your controling items ,like stat and fan switch for gen mazda parts,or at least oem quality parts,not the cheaper copy parts, the red coolant also has a higher boiling point than the standard blue.

[bigdaddycain]

I was thinking to replace the silcone hoses installed in dec 09 with normal ones as feedback on the silcone hoses did not seem to have been great (although I have had no issues), any thoughts?

Hi Eoptio... I've had the silicone hoses fitted to my bongo from late 2007 with no issues thus far.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... &start=150

I agree with Ady that it makes sense to replace the stat in your upcoming coolant system overhaul. My coolant system is due an overhaul soon also... New stat, coolant change (carplan red) new water pump, and the last 5 silicone hoses.

[eoptio]

Hi

thanks, yes will change the stat for an OEM one, anyone has the part no? Was thinking to change the waterpump, but as it seems ok at the moment might leave that, how complicated is it? Is the red carpaln coolant the long life one, can't recall exactly but seem to vaguely remember that was not recommend in the past for one reason or another, might be wrong?

What is the recommended supplier for the radiator/waterpump, or perhaps given it may have been a faulty stat, was the radiator used ok just put under too much pressure?

K

[bigdaddycain]

I've used red coolant (carplan premium red) for over 5 years (at least) in my bongo. Without getting too complicated on the chemical front, Bongo's come over with organic coolant from the factory, i replaced the organic coolant, with... You guessed it! Organic coolant!

Confusion arises because of the different colours of the coolant denoting different coolant types, for example, organic coolant in asia is typically blue or green, then the bongo's come over here, may need a coolant top up, blue coolant tops up over japanese blue organic coolant... That's where a game of chemical russian roullette begins

Here we generally use blue or green coolant which can be mixed. If you drain green and add blue dont be surprised if the blue turns green... it happens.

Mis matching of coolants can negate anti corrosion properties of the coolant, and in certain cases cause a gelling or gumming up... Some coolant passageways are extremely narrow, so this as i'm sure you can appreciate is not a good scenario to find oneself in.

[Northern Bongolow]

gen stats are available at the bongo shop or direct from mazda dealers,(any mazda dealer can supply bongo bits.)
as for your rad failure its only a best guess i suppose,as there is good and bad of all,but my money is on the stat and/or fan switch,and for the price difference i would only fit gen mazda for both.

[bigdaddycain]

I've replaced a waterpump on a 4WD bongo quite recently... As a none mechanic, i found the job to be do-able, if a little nerve racking! A pit would make the job WAY easier

I sourced a new pump from Japanese Auto Solutions (actually we bought two new pumps) They work out at around £40

[eoptio]

thanks for advice all

considering our options (and associated costs...), currently looking at ordering radiator, genuine stat, hoses and pump from JAS, however altogether getting quite expensive, so considering getter a cheaper rad from ebay, any opinions/recommendations/feedback on JAS parts and radiators from ebay?

thanks

K

[missfixit70]

I fitted a JAS rad, as have a lot of peeps on here, looks identical to the mazda one to me, no issues a year later, just make sure the oil cooler brass connections are tightened up really tight once fitted, i thought I'd tightened mine up ok, but ended up with a slight weep of ATF from the joint, just needed nipping up tighter (did mine once warm).
Personally I'd be wary of cheaper ebay ones, especially if they've got the vent pipe under the pressure cap, as has been said before, flow rates are not always the same.

[mikeonb4c]

As long as your silicon hoses are not causing annoying leaks at the connections, I'd leave them me as being sound. Spend the dosh saved instead on a decent rad. and thermostat

[eoptio]

Hi all

well had another look before deciding what to buy and on further inspection the leak appeared to be coming from the back of the radiator cap then spreading along the top of the radiator. Replaced the cap with another one, had it run up to temperture and no further leaks, so fingers crossed that was the problem. I'll leave all as is for now and take it out for a drive trow to see if all ok. Thanks for your advice all, will still consider replacing the stat/pump at some point.

K

[eoptio]

Hi all

quick question, got a new radiator cap as a spare following recent leak, this one has got '0.9' written on it wheeras what is currently on the car reads '1.1' does it matter or can I just use it?

Thanks

K

[Northern Bongolow]

bin it ,or use it as a rad cap.
DONT FIT IT TO THE EXPANSION TANK.

[haydn callow]

Assuming there is not a overflow/pressure release "stub" on the neck of your radiator (like you have on your expansion tank) then it dosn't matter whats written on the cap......If it does have a stub...block it off asap

[eoptio]

ok thanks, so ok to use on radiator but not on the expansion tank. I'll keep it in the car as a spare

K