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Radiator core repair

orsome

orsome

1
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272
Location
FIN
Anyone having experience in ?

I found a leak underside when filling the system after 22years "rest"

Lower radiator support seem to be spotwelded to collector casing made of brass.When separated for inspection now i have twenty small holes to be patched.

Pls advise
 
It's always a good idea to state what model Renault 4 you have and the year it was made.

It sounds as if you need to get a new radiator or your current one rebuilt. I don't know about Finland but in the UK there are companies that specialise in repairing brass / copper core radiators.
 
radiator

Thanks Steve,

Model is 1977 and yes we have repair shops for such but unfortunately the only local workshop was laid down and the nearest is 100km away, that's why i ended up to try to repair the leak myself.Now it wont leak(only hydrostatic pressure) but lets see when running.I have decided to run motor without thermostat(only summer usage) to avoid usual owerheating but lets see.If it doesn't last, i have to find new one from melun with 174E.
 
If the radiator is the original one or even if it's 22 years old then the copper core is likely to be very weak and there will also be solid water deposits and rust blocking it up. It's just worth the risk as the consequences of the engine overheating through water loss or poor cooling cannot be overstated! Also bear in mind that the heater radiator could be in the same condition too!
 
Radiators

I would try and find another one, or repair yours !

Personally, I would always run with a thermostat and a good antifreeze level, the car warms up quicker and runs better at lower temperatures. I run several 70's cars and never have problems even during 35-40 degree summers (but having said that, I do not drive in heavy Athens-like traffic !)

The other thing I would love is that nice radiator grill cover seen on another post, it would mean you could still get your heater to work when it gets REALLY cold, at the moment I block half my grill with a piece of cardboard.
 
simonandjuliet said:
but having said that, I do not drive in heavy Athens-like traffic !
Click to expand...

I do :-D, and have checked it both with 74 deg thermostat, and without one, and there was absolutely no difference in engine temperatures. There is no reason for not fitting a thermostat, if it's working OK!
 
I have a "cardboard" radiator muff which I can use to draw a pattern so you can cut your own, send address and I will post to you , and any others interested. Material is a sort of fibreboard as used for door cards etc but seems to last OK, especially with a couple of coats of paint. It is a Renault original, that rubber one is a de-luxe accessory!
Allan


.
 
These things were very common years ago, to promote quick warmups, and had openable flaps with press stud fastenings that could be open or shut at will. A plastic equivalent was a standard accessory for winter driving on the 2CV6.
Posher cars had a radiator blind behind the grille which was a sort of roller blind affair that could be pulled up or down to suit ambient conditions. I had one that jammed in a traffic queue in Central London and exploded the top hose on my Volvo 164!!
 
Grill cover

Thanks for the template offer, however the grill cover on leboncoin was still available and is currently working its way through via La Poste to the Languedoc - will post photo once fitted
 
I always thought that with a thermostat in a modern sealed cooling there was no need for extra blinds and such like?

If the engine isn't warm enough it won't let the water from cold radiator circulate through the engine. The heating system on my 4 is fantastic, the little heater chucks tons of heat in the cabin on even the freezing cold winter we had last year!
 
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