www.jec.org.uk

After a bit of a winter lay-up, my 78,000 mile 2004 XK8 has developed a coolant leak. It is on the right hand side of the car, and lying on my back, looking up whilst shining a torch, it seems to be coming from some way up the radiator.
Barretts list an OE one, C2N4579, on special order for £565 + p&p, and an aluminium one, C2N4578, for an eye-watering £1025 +. Quite a lot of money, and one imagines not available. Meanwhile a search on't net throws up replacement aluminium ones, manufactured by NRF, showing the correct part numbers compatibility, C2N4579 and C2N3578. Price? £100-£120 delivered... NRF radiators seem to get good reviews; so, 2 questions:- have any of you learned folk experience of them, and is the radiator difficult to change?

One other thing; I noticed whilst trawling through the service history that the auxiliary belt was last changed 10 years ago. As I understand it, the interval is either 150,000 miles or 8 years, so it need changing. I guess with the rad out would be the time to do it?

Many thanks.

Ian C.

Installing a radiator involves removing some aircon pipes so first be prepared to have the system 'de' and then later 're' pressurised afterwards by an aircon specialist with the correct kit. Apart from replacing the auxiliary belt, flushing the whole cooling system thoroughly is best practice. Check which type of antifreeze is present and ensure you refill with the same type to avoid causing future radiator blockages by the different types reacting with one another and producing gel-like substances. For a naturally aspirated car, when the cars were current models, the job was expected to take approximately 3 hours in a main dealer workshop, so plan to double that time working at home. Mike.

Thanks Mike.
Understood about the antifreeze. It is correct. In fact the system was flushed and replenished at the last service. A nuisance about the aircon, but so be it. As you say, I think 3 hours would be going some!
Does anyone have any thoughts about these NRF radiators, particularly given that OE ones appear not to be available?