Radiator

[Strev]

Noticed last night that I have a leak from the bottom of my radiator. Its an 8V GTI, 1990 on original rad, so suppose I can't complain!

Anyone know how much a replacement will cost and whether I could fit it myself? Are there lower cost versions available (very bad time of year)?

Cheers.
 

[rubjonny]

GSF will sell you one for a reasonable sum, theres outlets all over the country too.  But orders over £50 are free delivery anywayt, so order a few service bits as well

[Strev]

Thanks. Is there anything complex I need to know about fitting it, or is it quite simple?

Cheers.

[rubjonny]

only thing complex about the job is deciding what swearwords to use while you try to get the damn hoseclips off
I find molegrips work well.

Oh and don't forget, you cant get the radiator out until you take the airguides off, if you remove the grill you should be able to get to the bolts holding them on.  And disconnect the rad fan loom at the 2 pin connector near the battery and unplug the fan switch, then you can take the whole metal shroud off the radiator complete with the fan attached.

[Strev]

Thanks mate!

[Strev]

Oh - one other thing. The only part GSF list for the GTi is >7/89 - mine is 1990. Did the rads change at all?

[rubjonny]

nope the fitment is the same, but worth checking how long yours is, they recon its 525 so check yours is the same length.  If it is, it'll fit
If not it'll still go in, but your rad fan shroud wont fit on it, and your rad hoses may not reach!

[rowlers]

peice of piss mate a couple of  hours on your drive.

get plenty of wd40 on the clips

[Strev]

Thanks for advice. Is there anything I need to know to avoid creating air-locks when re-filling, or do I simply add coolent mix to expansion tank?

[rubjonny]

run the engine from cold with the cap off, keep coolant topped up.  Squeeze all the rubber hoses you can reach, and rev the engine to 2k now & again.  When the coolant starts to boil or the pipes get too hot to touch, stop the engine and refit the cap.