Car overheated.

[Cudey]

Hi Guys, just got a question - engine overheated today, water disappeared from the bottle, no heat from the A/C, seems to be leaking very slightly near the radiator.

I don't have a local garage as I usually use the lads S&MWM, but the garage I took it too seemed to think that the radiator had gone.

Any idea if this could be right, and any idea on rough cost? I did ask the guy but he just answered that it varies.

 

[_WILL_]

If all it needs is a replacement radiator then def do it yourself, its easy from memory. I personally would try and get a used one off here from someone breaking a car near you or doing a turbo / itb conversion that doesn't need the standard item only. Or off eBay.

Plus make sure you use genuine Renault coolant to refill, it can be bought at a reasonable price online / ebay.

 

[Chrisgti6]

Buy the coolant from Renault. It's about £12 for 5l of ready mixed type D.

How badly did it overheat? If it got VERY hot then it could potentially have damaged the head etc.

If I was taking it to a garage, i'd want something better than 'We think it's the radiator' and 'it varies' regarding the price.

If it is 100% the rad, then a Valeo unit is only £95 from Eurocarparts and should be fairly simple to fit.

 

[Cudey]

Buy the coolant from Renault. It's about £12 for 5l of ready mixed type D.

How badly did it overheat? If it got VERY hot then it could potentially have damaged the head etc.

If I was taking it to a garage, i'd want something better than 'We think it's the radiator' and 'it varies' regarding the price.

If it is 100% the rad, then a Valeo unit is only £95 from Eurocarparts and should be fairly simple to fit.

Cheers guys.

I was in a rush as had to go to work (they gave me a courtesy car.... a Hyundai Getz - It's awful - like really really awful), but the radiator was there diagnosis from a quick look and me saying what had happened. They're going to call me before they do anything so will hopefully know some more soon. I've done some research on the garage since and they've have a lot of good reviews.

When you say simple to fit - I'm not great at mechanics, is it easy for a novice?

 

[mokeyat]

When you say simple to fit - I'm not great at mechanics, is it easy for a novice?

I would say it was, I recently fitted one to my wife's 1.6 RSi. The slam panel comes out with a few bolts and makes it very easy. I managed to do it without interfering with the air-con. If you're methodical about it and take a few pics to remind you of how it goes back together you should be fine.

 

[Dr HMS Derv Destroyer]

Replace the thermostat aswell, peace of mind!