Ducato engine radiator replacement

[Deleted member 12539]

I got back from south Wales after Easter just in time.
Whilst reversing onto the drive, my good lady wife was sprayed with a fine mist of radiator fluid, I could see where is was coming from and it is a pin prick of a hole in the engine radiator.
I could maybe use something in the water to block the hole or fix it, but I would prefer to replace it to ensure I do not have further problems later on.

I am considering doing it myself on a 2004 Fiat Ducato 2.8JTD Eura Mobil.

Do you know if it is a standard 2.8JTD rad? If so, are there any problems I may encounter getting the old one out and the new one in?
I know there is an air conditioning radiator in front of it, would that need to be removed also?

The difference in price between getting an mechanic to do it and do it myself is approx £200, but if it is a mechanics job then so be it.
I am ok with tools, just not an engine mechanic.

Thank you for your useful answers, in anticipation... Dave

 

[caledonia]

I personally think you would be better leaving it to the professionals. They have the knowledge and the tools for the job. You may have problems bleeding or damage things using diy tools.

 

[witzend]

I personally think you would be better leaving it to the professionals. They have the knowledge and the tools for the job. You may have problems bleeding or damage things using diy tools.

I'd go with this if you need to ask any questions. But personally I'd use this K Seal if its just a small leak

 

[vindiboy]

Easy enough to change the rad,need to remove a few bits and pieces in the way, but that is the norm with these jobs,I had to replace one on a Hymer in Portugal,and mine was behind a huge intercooler rad for the turbo I had help from a local man who sourced the rad for me,we did it in the street whilst wildcamping at Fusseta,and had about twelve wild campers of all nationalities giving advice but very little help really,but plenty of beer was drunk by all hee hee.I had to obtain a plug for an outlet in the new rad at fitting as my old rad did not have the same take off facility as the new one,easy enough to do however, no special tools were needed to do the take down and replacementv of the rad, just new jubille clips and anti freeze,I would not use rad seal as suggested as that is just a temporay fix,when my old rad was out of the van it was completely knackered and could be played like a violin,,have a look at U Tube I am sure you will find a video on there by someone doing a rad refit.

 

[caledonia]

Been a mechanic all my working life and for peace of mind and not having a trip away spoiled don’t use any radweld Kseal stuff it’s only a get you home fix. If you value your vehicle get it done professionally but I dare say all the kerbside mechanics will be along to say do it yourself. I’d rather pay £200 than be stuck at the side of the road with a cooked engine.

 

[oppy]

I remember the days when you just crack an egg in to the rad to cure a small leak-------------not sure if it really worked though

 

[witzend]

I remember the days when you just crack an egg in to the rad to cure a small leak-------------not sure if it really worked though

That sounds like a get you home fix. But I put Kseal into a MF digger rad to keep it going for a couple of days and its still ok 4 years later

 

[caledonia]

That sounds like a get you home fix. But I put Kseal into a MF digger rad to keep it going for a couple of days and its still ok 4 years later

But you don’t go your holidays in a digger do you?

 

[Fisherman]

I would seriously listen to what Caledonia is saying.
The poster who did it himself in Portugal sounds like he knows his stuff.
And he received help from a knowledgeable local.
If you are like myself and lack knowledge of engines don’t DIY.

 

[trevskoda]

K seal will be 100% if only a small jet of flued,i have seen new units fitted only to leak within weeks of service,however if over 10 years then i would replace and make sure the sys is filled with the correct coolant and not pure water.
Im a self taught motor maniac and we dont have kirbstones here.:lol-053::lol-053::lol-053:

 

[yeoblade]

I would think it quite a minor job if your handy with the tools and I have a done few different ones before. IS it easily accessible or maybe behind a A/C rad or oil cooler? If so you may want to avoid the complications evolved for just £200, (how much do they charge an hour?)#i see they are only £70 on eurocaparts + the coolant you'll need

 

[witzend]

But you don’t go your holidays in a digger do you?

That digger has worked at least 8 hrs most days for the last 4 yrs not many people with vans work them for that long. I'd not hesitate to repair a radiator leak with Kseal and feel confident with the repair in any vehicle I owned

 

[caledonia]

That digger has worked at least 8 hrs most days for the last 4 yrs not many people with vans work them for that long. I'd not hesitate to repair a radiator leak with Kseal and feel confident with the repair in any vehicle I owned

And what else will the Kseal affect? Heater matrix, heater control valves?
A little knowledge is dangerous is what we used to say in the trade, advice is so easy to give but so hard to take.
It doesn’t take much to cook an engine and end up costing a lot more than £200.

 

[trevskoda]

And what else will the Kseal affect? Heater matrix, heater control valves?
A little knowledge is dangerous is what we used to say in the trade, advice is so easy to give but so hard to take.
It doesn’t take much to cook an engine and end up costing a lot more than £200.

Some of the good ones like k seal will not block heater matrix,but the old radwell will,been there had the ticket.
There is a better one on the market but i cannot remember the name right now,should remember at about 2am in bed.

 

[maingate]

Some of the good ones like k seal will not block heater matrix,but the old radwell will,been there had the ticket.
There is a better one on the market but i cannot remember the name right now,should remember at about 2am in bed.

Back in the days when I was young and skint, I used Sealit powder in my Rads, dunno if it is still available but it worked well. It had to because I could not afford to buy a new Rad. :lol-061:

 

[harrow]

Back in the days when I was young and skint, I used Sealit powder in my Rads, dunno if it is still available but it worked well. It had to because I could not afford to buy a new Rad. :lol-061:

SEALit is a professional multifunctional leak repair suitable for all cars. The simple pour and go no clogging formula works through the entire engine and cooling system seeking out leaks to create a professional, permanent repair in a matter of minutes.

SEALit is easy to use – simply pour and fix with no need to drain or flush the system, turning leak repairs into a quick job.

Professional and permanent repair
No clogging or damaging effect
Corrosion protection

 

[ricc]

That digger has worked at least 8 hrs most days for the last 4 yrs not many people with vans work them for that long. I'd not hesitate to repair a radiator leak with Kseal and feel confident with the repair in any vehicle I owned

what happens if the digger rad starts to leak? youve access to water , no doubt not far from home, mate/wife with car to collect you and fetch bits/tools etc.... all in all not a big drama

motor home starting to leak in the wilds of spain or france (or cornwall) is a totally different scenario , your on your own, no alternative transport , dont speak the lingo etc.


the sealants may be worth a go if money is tight , provided they stay active ready for the next leak, if its due to internal corrosion there will be more holes coming.if you use sealant the temp gauge will be the first sign of future problems, get used to monitoring its normal behaviour so you notice abnormallities before cooking everything.

diy or pro fitting , its down to money and personal abilities, its only a few pipes and mounting bolts.... again easier to do at home , where theres no time pressure and access to alternative transport and easier to sort the unexpected problems if they crop up.

 

[harrow]

Its bleeding,

not so easy

and opening my wallet

 

[witzend]

what happens if the digger rad starts to leak? youve access to water , no doubt not far from home, mate/wife with car to collect you and fetch bits/tools etc.... all in all not a big drama .

You'd not say that if you heard my boss shout about down time on any of the machines all the service vans where supplied with a supply of Kseal and we where expected to use it. Not just diggers it was used successfully in lorry's which where many days and miles from base

 

[yeoblade]

There are old fashioned mechanics and modern ones too!

What did you do Beamer , fixed?