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My ZX has developed a leak in the radiator this morning. The rad was replaced about 18 months ago so I'm not too happy - it's run on the correct antifreeze, changed at two-year intervals so it shouldn't have corroded away. A new rad is £95 min, and i think that there may be a slight leak in the heater matrix too, so I want to try a leak sealer before I go to a greater expense. Are there better sealers than Bar's Leaks?
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Radweld and Bars Leaks are the only 2 radiator sealants I'm aware of, not sure if one is better than the other to be truthful. Also there are mixed views regarding the use of radiator sealants as I've heard stories of them blocking coolant passages, thus doing more harm than good, but on the other hand some motorists swear by them. In any case, using Radweld or Bars Leaks is likely to solve the leaky rad problem temporarily, as long as its a small leak, but won't cure the problem long term and inevitably a new rad will be needed. The radiators on the ZX/peugeot 306 are not renowned for their longevity- I replaced the rad in my 1994 306TD nearly 3 years ago and its corroding near the bottom and maybe leaking very slightly, but will replace the rad when it comes more noticeable. Check the coolant level regularly and top up if necessary as these old XUD engines are very prone to head gasket failures and warped heads if they overheat as a result of a loss of coolant.
You say the matrix maybe leaking- if so you will have steam from the airvents, windows steaming up and the car will smell of antifreeze inside. Again if it's only a small leak, Radweld or Bars Leaks may well solve it for a while.
Martin
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You can get some stuff made by a co called Forte, but it's supposed to be trade only. You can however get it from www.funkystyling.co.uk - it's quite expensive though (£13 delivered) - but is well known for doing a good job at sealing leaks in Xantia heater matricies - without blocking the passages (it uses a different formulation to Barrs or radweld). The trouble with the rads is rather that they seem to rot from the outside in, so leak sealer is not likely to be that effective. Just make sure you use a good quality replacement.
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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Did you flush out the old coolant when replacing the last rad?
Got to be thoroughly flushed with coolant flush several times. I know because I had to do my heater matrix a 2nd time because of corrosion 18 months later! Draining rad is simply not good enough.
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A quick browse on Ebay the other day at 306/ZX radiators and apparently you can buy brand new aluminium rads, manufactured by a company called Nissens. They are not supposed to corrode like standard copper rads and offer up to 20% better cooling. 'Buy it Now' prices are between £85 and £95- similar to that of standard rads from Euro Car Parts and GSF.
Might be worth persuing.
Martin
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Contact Serck for an exchange price.
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I am suprised that copper rads are still about;plastic/aluminium have been standard now for at least 20 yrs.
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The rad on my Peugeot leaked. Radweld did not cure it because of the pressure when hot. But it did cure it when I left the radiator cap loose so pressure never built up. Never overheats, even in high summer, and only requires topping up every 6 weeks or so. Worth a try? (heater matrix could be a nightmate to fit)
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