Radiator replacement

[BARNPOT2000]

Hi all, I've not been active on here for a while, but started to do a bit of maintenance on my car again. I'm about to renew the power steering pipes and whilst having a look around the frunk area noticed the radiator core is looking a bit battered. Would anyone recommend a particular replacement part or are any of the rads on offer as good as any other, please ? All help much appreciated.

[Carolyn]

They do vary in quality.  I'd get one from a good supplier.  You certainly want one with proper vent valves as opposed to vent plugs.  The valves have a handle which makes them much easier to use.

Take a good look at pictures before buying.

You won't go far wrong with a Denso:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/236764076073?var=0&shprz=EBAY_GB_131090&_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&toolid=20006&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338986375&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=1006506&adtype=pla&customid=CjwKCAjw7KvTBhA6EiwAWnutYSCX2LTONOoWz_aJraXlsvfH9jbuU_YNuwPAnQycBz4qWgbMMa_-kxoCHnkQAvD_BwE|null|null&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23889183304&gbraid=0AAAAADcddnaNkq6ZFJUTIh5clKTa8im1m&gclid=CjwKCAjw7KvTBhA6EiwAWnutYSCX2LTONOoWz_aJraXlsvfH9jbuU_YNuwPAnQycBz4qWgbMMa_-kxoCHnkQAvD_BwE

[BARNPOT2000]

Thank you Carolyn, Denso sounds good. My car only has a single fan, presumably due to not having AC? Would fitting a double fan be an upgrade, would the two fans work in sync and aid cooling if fitted to my car please?

[Joesson]

@BARNPOT2000
At one time ICE cars had a cooling fan, typically driven by a Vee belt that also rotated the dynamo.
The cooling fan was unnecessary at start up and in many driving conditions as the air draught cooled the radiator. Feathering fans were developed by some high end car producers seeking to reduce the power loss from constantly driving the fan.
Electric fans were at one time an aftermarket addition also.
Electric fans are now customary on ICE cars and you will hear the fan come on when the car stops and looses the cooling draught of forward motion.
So, the electric fan is used intermittently and having two would be one too many I suggest.
NB.
The MR2 Roadster is sometimes fitted with an OE cooling fan in the engine bay when fitted with a Turbo.
The reader will also be aware of an auxiliary fan at the front of the car to cool the AC radiator.
The exclusion of which on a car without AC should not be a cause for concern, as it was when I first noticed the absence of such!

[Carolyn]

Thank you Carolyn, Denso sounds good. My car only has a single fan, presumably due to not having AC? Would fitting a double fan be an upgrade, would the two fans work in sync and aid cooling if fitted to my car please?

They come on in unison.  There's not much advantage in having two unless you have A/C. 

[BARNPOT2000]

I've seen various methods to drain and bleed the coolant system online, but they often vary. Can anyone point me to the best or correct system of draining and refilling the system please?

[Carolyn]

There are two drain plugs on the bottom of the hard pipes running under the car.  Be careful as they can be damaged if they are very hard to open.

Get a big clean bucket to put under them and remove the drain plugs.  If you can't shift them, the  rubber tube that goes to the thermostat (on the bulkhead side of the engine) is an effective drain point.

[BARNPOT2000]

Thank you Carolyn

[BARNPOT2000]

Just a quick update. I received a brand new Denso radiator with next day delivery, great service. Also, glad I made the decision to renew it. The photo says it all I think. It is 20 years old I suppose. The thing is it's an item easily overlooked as its not very visible until you remove the fans or peer through the front bumper. No sign of overheating on the dash with this but I reckon a leak was imminent. Maybe take a look at your rad if you haven't already 👍.

[BARNPOT2000]

Nice new one in place 😎