Leaking radiator!

leggy · 17-05-16, 05:18 PM

Been out for a nice drive today in my 1992 B4 80 2.0E (RHD, ABK)...
The temp gauge was reading slightly higher than usual, not high enough for the fans to cut in, but with it being a warmish day that's quite common and so I wasn't too concerned; just kept my eye on it.

I could also smell burning rubber every so often but it didnt get any worse when I put the blowers on, so I thought maybe it was something outside.

Anyhow, back home and with engine running, I flipped the bonnet just to be sure everything was in order, and was greeted by this

->

Turned the engine off quick and grabbed the lid off an aerosol can in the boot to catch the coolant that was rapidly making it's way down on to the engine tray to the road

->

Hurried indoors to find something bigger to catch/contain the leaking coolant (a 2L ice cream tub!) and by the time I'd returned the dribbling had almost stopped, so I stuck the tub underneath anyway and then checked the coolant reservoir level; it's at max.

Now pure speculation here, but I'm guessing that it's probably lost about half a mug of coolant from the rad, maybe due to heat expansion which in turn has caused the rad to split, idk, like I said, the temp gauge was reading slightly higher than usual.

The big questions now being ->
What do I do now?
Will Radweld sort it out temporarily?
- it's not something that I can fix myself as I dont have a garage and I'm limited to just a few basic tools, but if I can stop the leak I could then drive it over to my local Audi specialists (4miles away) and get them to fix/weld the seam or replace the rad (if I can get one that is!

).

Any help/advice appreciated asap please as I'm now without a car

John. · 17-05-16, 05:42 PM

If you're needing to use the car then just keep a close eye on the coolant level and top up when necessary.
Not tightening the reservoir cap properly will reduce the system pressure so it won't leak as much but it will also reduce the boiling point.
As it looks to have an alloy core and plastic tanks you're looking at a new one and not a repair............sooner rather than later.
Drive with caution and keep an eye on that gauge.

Hanuman · 17-05-16, 05:52 PM

I wouldn't bother with temporary fixes that involve dropping stuff into the reservoir. You'll have to get it repaired properly sooner or later. But the stuff that goes into the coolant will be hanging around afterwards.

Choices involve
Rebuilding the rad that you have. Time off the road while waiting
New. If available.
A used replacement, which you get refurbished if possible, or checked over and then fit when you get it back. Meanwhile, your friend is several big containers of water as ballast in the boot, as a precaution against the worst!

leggy · 17-05-16, 06:11 PM

Thanks for the speedy responses John. and The Real MSH!

The idea of temporary fix with Radwell was just so that I could get it over to the garage so that they could maybe get it sorted out, cuz well, I'm a bit worried about driving it over to them in it's current state due to them being in town; heavier traffic, traffic lights, and the inevitable likelihood of making the situation ten times worse!

Not sure if rad rebuild is something that they can do, they're more mechanical than rebuild, but even if they can drain the coolant system and get the rad off, well it's a start, and neighbour has said that I can use his car so at least I have the option to take the leaky rad somewhere to get it rebuilt if they cant do it.

In so far as getting a replacement rad, I'm struggling to find the part number for it atm due to my usual source (PartsCat) having gone awol and not being used to using the alternative audi.7zap website.

With the part number I can obviously do some phoning around to see if I can get a new or even a secondhand one.

- does anyone know the part number please?

Andy10v · 17-05-16, 06:49 PM

How far is your garage?

If its not too far I would just stock up on water and drive carefully over.

If you use radweld I would make sure it is flushed multiple times afterwards to get it all out. It is handy stuff as a get you home, but I would not use it as a long term repair, except on a low value car you are just driving until it breaks.

from 7zap (cooler for coolant; reservoir - Audi 80/90/Avant(A80) [EUROPA 1992 year]);

(1) 8A0 121 251 cooler for coolant
for vehicles with air condit. 1 ABT,ABK,ABB, ADA

(1) 8A0 121 251 A coolant radiator with oil cooler 1 automatic: ABT,ABK,6A, ACE,1Z

(1) 893 121 253 A cooler for coolant 590MM 1 ABM,ABT,ABK, ABB,ADA

(1) 893 121 251 H cooler for coolant for vehicles with reinforced coolant cooling system
and/or trailer towing 620MM 1 ABM,ABT,ABK, ABB,

lefthooker · 17-05-16, 06:50 PM

If you're lucky it might be this one:

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/radi...L-C011745.html

Haven't used this company personally, so can't vouch for them, but at least it gives you some idea how much you might be able to pick one up for.

Flying Frank · 17-05-16, 06:56 PM

The real MSH put up a link to a different site for chasing part numbers, can't remember off hand what its called, but doubtless if he reads this he'll send you the link. It is far more user friendly and well worth book marking.

As for the rad, I think you'll find any radiator specialist will be able to supply you with the correct rad if you just give your registration and chassis number. Shop around for the best deal.

cjp0349 · 17-05-16, 07:03 PM

Not as cheap as the one lefthooker has found but there is a radiator in stock for your car at Northamton GSF leggy, so I'm sure your local Audi specialist will have no trouble sourcing one. It's a fairly easy fix for a competent DIYer though

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/coo...m/car-radiator

Hanuman · 17-05-16, 08:08 PM

I'm actually using 7zap, as per left hooked, above.

As for mister auto. I bought a couple of bits a few days ago via EBAY for the V8 MoT. Seems to have gone ok, decently priced and prompt.

leggy · 17-05-16, 08:29 PM

Thanks for all the help/advice guys

Not sure which of those part numbers mine will be Andy10v

...
but that's four more than I did have so thank you!

Thanks also for those links lefthooker and cjp0349

...
I was actually expecting a lengthy search for one and a pretty hefty bill at the end of it, so you've certainly put the smile back on my face!

So, first thing tomorrow morning...
I'll be phoning the garage, seeing when they can fit me in (hopefully not the usual 3wks!), will then take a nice steady drive over to them (with plenty of water bottles stocked up in the boot of course!), and well, they know what they're doing so I'll just let them get/fit a new rad in view of them being seemingly so readily available.

Nice one guys, will let you know when my boy is all fixed up again.

17-05-16, 05:52 PM	#3
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,016	I wouldn't bother with temporary fixes that involve dropping stuff into the reservoir. You'll have to get it repaired properly sooner or later. But the stuff that goes into the coolant will be hanging around afterwards. Choices involve Rebuilding the rad that you have. Time off the road while waiting New. If available. A used replacement, which you get refurbished if possible, or checked over and then fit when you get it back. Meanwhile, your friend is several big containers of water as ballast in the boot, as a precaution against the worst! __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor Last edited by Hanuman; 17-05-16 at 09:21 PM.

17-05-16, 06:49 PM	#5
Andy10v Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stirling Posts: 861	How far is your garage? If its not too far I would just stock up on water and drive carefully over. If you use radweld I would make sure it is flushed multiple times afterwards to get it all out. It is handy stuff as a get you home, but I would not use it as a long term repair, except on a low value car you are just driving until it breaks. from 7zap (cooler for coolant; reservoir - Audi 80/90/Avant(A80) [EUROPA 1992 year]); (1) 8A0 121 251 cooler for coolant for vehicles with air condit. 1 ABT,ABK,ABB, ADA (1) 8A0 121 251 A coolant radiator with oil cooler 1 automatic: ABT,ABK,6A, ACE,1Z (1) 893 121 253 A cooler for coolant 590MM 1 ABM,ABT,ABK, ABB,ADA (1) 893 121 251 H cooler for coolant for vehicles with reinforced coolant cooling system and/or trailer towing 620MM 1 ABM,ABT,ABK, ABB, __________________ 2005 350z GT Sold-1992 3B S2 coupe-RS2+, 996s, konis, forged rods, rear torsen.... Sold-1993 ABY coupe

17-05-16, 07:03 PM	#8
cjp0349 Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Lune Valley, North Lancashire Posts: 1,744	Not as cheap as the one lefthooker has found but there is a radiator in stock for your car at Northamton GSF leggy, so I'm sure your local Audi specialist will have no trouble sourcing one. It's a fairly easy fix for a competent DIYer though http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/coo...m/car-radiator Last edited by cjp0349; 17-05-16 at 07:10 PM.

17-05-16, 08:08 PM	#9
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,016	I'm actually using 7zap, as per left hooked, above. As for mister auto. I bought a couple of bits a few days ago via EBAY for the V8 MoT. Seems to have gone ok, decently priced and prompt. __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor

17-05-16, 05:42 PM	#2
John. 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Scottish Borders. Posts: 7,526	If you're needing to use the car then just keep a close eye on the coolant level and top up when necessary. Not tightening the reservoir cap properly will reduce the system pressure so it won't leak as much but it will also reduce the boiling point. As it looks to have an alloy core and plastic tanks you're looking at a new one and not a repair............sooner rather than later. Drive with caution and keep an eye on that gauge.

17-05-16, 06:11 PM	#4
leggy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 1,650	Thanks for the speedy responses John. and The Real MSH! The idea of temporary fix with Radwell was just so that I could get it over to the garage so that they could maybe get it sorted out, cuz well, I'm a bit worried about driving it over to them in it's current state due to them being in town; heavier traffic, traffic lights, and the inevitable likelihood of making the situation ten times worse! Not sure if rad rebuild is something that they can do, they're more mechanical than rebuild, but even if they can drain the coolant system and get the rad off, well it's a start, and neighbour has said that I can use his car so at least I have the option to take the leaky rad somewhere to get it rebuilt if they cant do it. In so far as getting a replacement rad, I'm struggling to find the part number for it atm due to my usual source (PartsCat) having gone awol and not being used to using the alternative audi.7zap website. With the part number I can obviously do some phoning around to see if I can get a new or even a secondhand one. - does anyone know the part number please?

17-05-16, 06:50 PM	#6
lefthooker Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,655	If you're lucky it might be this one: http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/radi...L-C011745.html Haven't used this company personally, so can't vouch for them, but at least it gives you some idea how much you might be able to pick one up for.

17-05-16, 06:56 PM	#7
Flying Frank 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kernow, Gods own county !! Posts: 2,388	The real MSH put up a link to a different site for chasing part numbers, can't remember off hand what its called, but doubtless if he reads this he'll send you the link. It is far more user friendly and well worth book marking. As for the rad, I think you'll find any radiator specialist will be able to supply you with the correct rad if you just give your registration and chassis number. Shop around for the best deal.

17-05-16, 08:29 PM	#10
leggy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 1,650	Thanks for all the help/advice guys Not sure which of those part numbers mine will be Andy10v ... but that's four more than I did have so thank you! Thanks also for those links lefthooker and cjp0349 ... I was actually expecting a lengthy search for one and a pretty hefty bill at the end of it, so you've certainly put the smile back on my face! So, first thing tomorrow morning... I'll be phoning the garage, seeing when they can fit me in (hopefully not the usual 3wks!), will then take a nice steady drive over to them (with plenty of water bottles stocked up in the boot of course!), and well, they know what they're doing so I'll just let them get/fit a new rad in view of them being seemingly so readily available. Nice one guys, will let you know when my boy is all fixed up again.