New or refurbished radiator

[Casey]

I went into the garage to remove the idler bracket on KIMI 3 (S3), the plan being to replace the bushes with Super Pro poly. Having inspected the bushes they are fine, not original I think, but look like new. However, I noticed a pool of coolant on the sump guard and low level in the expansion tank. The top of the rad tank looked very wet, so I decided to remove the rad and check. This was the what I found:

2021-09-17 17.27.28.jpg (201.42 KiB) Viewed 7110 times

2021-09-17 17.28.04.jpg (224.33 KiB) Viewed 7110 times

A sorry looking mess - just brushing some of the fins around the damaged area was enough to cause them to detach themselves

So new rad, or re-core?

I see the Koyo rad is available through Essex Rotary at £389 (inc VAT)
http://essexrotarystore.com/product/koy ... -series-3/

The RockAuto one that Pete got could have been an option, but it's showing out of stock https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 72&jsn=362

I'd rather like to keep the original look if possible (and at less cost!) and I'm lucky to have these guys a short distance from me http://www.colchesterradiatorspecialists.com/ who did a fantastic job re-coring the oil rad on KIMI 2 - but it wasn't cheap. I'll give them a call and try and get an idea on price.

Are there any other options anyone can point me to?

[A7RXY]

Hi Malcolm, I had mine recored but using a 3 core panel replacing the original 2 core, it wasn't cheap if I remember rightly about £275, but kept the original look.
I did phone the Place in Colchester but found one closer to me in Romford.
Good luck
Dibs

[spirit r]

I did the same in 1990. In these times the only option get more cooling.

The 3 core panel will be the best option and so oldschool.

[Casey]

Thanks guys. The Colchester rad place isn't open until Monday, but I'll give them a call then and maybe pop down there to discuss options and get some prices. As I understand it, a "modern core" can be fitted to improve performance, keeping the headers for the original look.

[Casey]

There seem to be plenty of offerings on eBay at ~£150 or less, but I'd lose the OEM appearance and not sure on the build quality:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113943026068 ... sxEALw_wcB

[DKWW2000]

Went down same path about a year ago, Re Core £250 + ! I got new from Rock Auto :-

http://www.rx7fb.com/viewtopic.php?f=23 ... 075#p48075

[Casey]

Already checked out that option Pete - Sadly showing out of stock

[Casey]

I phoned Colchester Radiator Specialists this morning and they quoted £220 (inc), so I've decided to go that route and have dropped it off this morning. I will collect next Monday (they could have done it sooner, but next Monday suited me). Not super-cheap, but acceptable and they are well-regarded for the quality of their work, having been in business for 30 years. They did a great job on my S2 oil cooler a couple of years back.

At least I know it will fit OK, retain the original look and, most importantly, I can get the car back on the road quickly.

Sadly, they close in November for good. Paul, the owner, is retiring and after trying to sell the business, then offering to give it away, there were no takers

[KiwiDave]

Radiator repairers are a endangered species nowadays.....managed to find a chap in Exeter, sent him photos explained it needed a Re-core/paint, I think he misunderstood & thought it needed a 22 carat gold coating as well
The quote was £228 + vat!! The last time I had one done it cost £98 incl. That was on a S2 (in the early 90s)
Needless to say last Wed I ordered the New Rad from Rock (£170 incl Tax & cheapest delivery), it arrived 0830hrs this morning!
Needed a couple of fixing holes drilled & a bit of a "fettle" & it is in.
Dave - It has the "Low Coolant Alarm" fitment
It also has what I assume as a Oil Cooler built in the base.

Same dimensions as the S3 rad Pete? I only ask because my Chinese rad from eBay is the shorter S1/S2 versiom. I'm keeping it anyway as it's more hassle to send back.

[DKWW2000]

Yes it was the longer version, although it has the Auto gearbox oil cooler option at the base, see pictures in above Topic reference