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MG MGF Technical - Radical Radiators

Is it worth getting a bigger capacity Radiator? My original one is a write off.
MS does one and it's only £25 more than the standard one
Neil

IMO yes, but not for the extra capacity, for the fact that it is more corrosion resistant and also the bleed screw is metal not plastic (an source of leaks).

If you do go this route, some advice for the installer:

"Fit it backwards and rivet the fan(s) on"

My dealership got very confused when they fitted Scarlet's one! LOL :-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

"Fit it backwards and rivet the fan(s) on"


What?????
CBF to do this!
Neil

CBF?

Don't see what the problem is Neil, i assume you aren't fitting it yourself and even if you were, fitting it backwards takes no extra time and rivetting the fans on is only slightly different to fitting the fans onto an OE one.

SF
Scarlet Fever

CBF - Andy, think of what Ozzy Osbourne might say... ;o)

Neil, you don't need the extra cooling capacity - but if the rad is better made (corrosion resistance/ metal bleed nut etc), it could represent a better investment.
Rob Bell

Yeah corrosion was terrible on the std part
the lower lugs that hold it to the car had disolved
weird considering the panels are unmarked

also saw a bit of rot on the heavier components ( just as well) under the car like subframes and antiroll bars etc
looks like i should get inderneath with a tin of waxoil

I waxoiled the panels when the car was brand new thinking ( from experience) that these will be the first to go!
should have done the heavy black bits at the same time
Neil

I spoke to the MGF centre yesterday and they informed me that the TF radiator is aluminium and so will not corrode.

Do they fit exactly the same as the original MGF one's. Due to my need to get this sorted a.s.a.p I am considering getting the parts from MGF Centre and asking a local garage to fit them.
T Graveling

>> they informed me that the TF radiator is aluminium and so will not corrode. <<

Unfortunately, aluminium does corrode. But usually it does so leaving a protective oxidised layer that prevents further oxidation/corrosion.

The question is 'why are the radiators corroding in the first place'? If Carl is correct regarding the electrolytic properties of the battery's earthing current, then fitting an alloy rad may not in fact help...

On balance though, when I replace my rad next time, I'll definitely be fitting an alloy one - hopefully it will be isolated better (which it needs to be to avoid aluminium/steel electrolytic corrosion!) which should hopefully solve the problem.
Rob Bell

I replaced my corroded radiator on my MGF last year with an alloy TF one from MGF Centre, straight swap and great price too! :)
Davey

>I replaced my corroded radiator on my MGF last year with an alloy TF one from MGF Centre, straight swap and great price too! :)

OK how much?

Neil

I paid £148 from Rover last year for my TF replacement rad.
Chris Catchpole

Ohhh it's such a choice

Mike Satur's big capacity rad is £158
Neil

This thread was discussed between 18/03/2004 and 19/03/2004

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