Aux Radiator

[paulsf]

Right, another week another problem. Coming home last night and we have small plumes of steam coming from under the bonnet. What now!! Turns out the core of my Aux Rad is falling to pieces. Not leaking enough to drop everything on the floor in a oner so got home okay.

Anyway, rather than going to the expense of swapping it out just now I'm seeing a few posts regarding taking it out of the cooling loop altogether. Now the question is how is this done? Can the Aux rad connections just be undone and blanked off or do you still need a flow? If you need a flow it looks like both connections are different sizes (tell me I'm wrong please, I've only looked so far)!!) how would you connect the disconnected ends if they are different?

Any suggestions or top tips?

Paul

[rs2315]

I've read posts that say just bung up the hoses, and everything o.k.
But don't quote me.
If you do decide to get OE aux rad. www.quattrocorner.com
Got mine from there, good price.

http://www.s2central.net/auxrad.html For a how to replace.

Hope this helps.

rs2315

[simon44]

Yes, I've heard of this too. There's information on this on s2forum.com too. I considered it but my mechanic advised me against it from a 'its there for a reason' point of view

[alastairg]

Yes, I've heard of this too. There's information on this on s2forum.com too. I considered it but my mechanic advised me against it from a 'its there for a reason' point of view

From all the experience from the S2 forum. I would say the reason is the same as wearing a belt with braces.

[darkhorse1210]

Yes, I've heard of this too. There's information on this on s2forum.com too. I considered it but my mechanic advised me against it from a 'its there for a reason' point of view

From all the experience from the S2 forum. I would say the reason is the same as wearing a belt with braces.

My Aux Radiator was shot when I bought the car, I changed the main radiator immediately but had the Aux blanked off. So far (7k miles later) all is OK in terms of engine temp, never seems to go much above 90, even in heavy traffic.

[paulsf]

Mine has been out for 10k with no problems. Runs cooler on he motorway as more flow to the main rad.

Someone on S2Forum makes aluminium bubgs to the right size to do the blanking, I bought a pair but can't remember his name.

Paul.

[scillyisles]

Had my main radiator replaced last year with a new one - this year the aux rad has just been replaced with a new one.

[trevithick]

They must be having a menopause (or a radopause), mine has had both done in the last 2 years.
T

[alastairg]

Mine needed two aux & two main in my ownership. I would lose the auxilllary if I were in that situation again. Never heard a negative experience over at S2 forum or here

[darkhorse1210]

Check this out....reassuring for those of us who have removed theirs....

http://s2central.net/cooling01.html

[VaudiGR]

i have had my radiator redone twice. All this salt in the UK tends to rotten it. I actually made it a bit smaller this time to allow more of a gap for air to come into the air filter. I would say take it to some radiator specialist and they can redo it for you cheaper than buying it new.

If it were me i wouldnt take it off completelly.

[RS2_freak]

I've replaced both of mine. Personally I want to keep my car original spec, and wouldn't entertain running without the auxiliary rad - my own view is that you can never have too much cooling!

If you do get one, make sure its the right sort. I got one via ebay off Four Ring Spares that was actually just the bog standard 80 one and NOT the considerably larger RS2 one.

They refunded me (minus postage), but not after a wasted day off work and some hassle (said 'oh we've fitted that on several and its been fine'). Yes, it might fit, but its not an RS2 one as advertised. Sorry, rant over!