Has anyone fitted one of these new-fangled aluminium core / plastic tank radiators to 300tdi Defenders? Cost of recoring brass / copper radiators has become higher than a brand new aluminium / plastic radiator and local suppliers have recently started to supply said aluminium / plastic radiators. I am a little bit apprehensive. Any thoughts? Furthermore, on ebay, prices vary between £79 and £130. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I would naturally be tempted to purchase one that costs somewhere in the middle of the range but would like to know which to go for and which to avoid.
Aluminium / plastic radiators
- Thread starter reiny
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tetsu0san
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I would rather get a brass one re-cored rather than get an alloy and plastic one, but that is just because I prefer the old style materials. I bought an alloy and plastic one a few years ago and it was so poorly made that it wouldn't fit. It was almost 20mm too high at one end and 10mm too high at the other. So I complained and got a brass one instead.
I suppose this has tainted my views a little but I would more worry about the build quality rather than the materials used.
I suppose this has tainted my views a little but I would more worry about the build quality rather than the materials used.
greyhair
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I guess it all depends on budget
I was quoted £195 to recore my radiator, but to be honest i dont think they wanted to do it hence the stupid price
I have also looked and the plastic / ally ones and for £99 it is cheap enough
I was quoted £195 to recore my radiator, but to be honest i dont think they wanted to do it hence the stupid price
I have also looked and the plastic / ally ones and for £99 it is cheap enough
timtheenchanteruk
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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY DEFENDER 300 TDI RADIATOR BTP2275 | eBay
got this one on mine, no problems, know a couple of other fender owners with his rads who are happy, I have, and know others who have used his rads for other motors all happy customers
not a single issue with quality or fit (and he supplys with brass bungs not placci ones)
got this one on mine, no problems, know a couple of other fender owners with his rads who are happy, I have, and know others who have used his rads for other motors all happy customers
not a single issue with quality or fit (and he supplys with brass bungs not placci ones)
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY DEFENDER 300 TDI RADIATOR BTP2275 | eBay
got this one on mine, no problems, know a couple of other fender owners with his rads who are happy, I have, and know others who have used his rads for other motors all happy customers
I can vouch for these, I've had two (200 and 300 tdi) still going strong after a few years and still look good under the bonnet, fast delivery too
Ltwt Hybrid 300tdi
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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY DEFENDER 300 TDI RADIATOR BTP2275 | eBay
got this one on mine, no problems, know a couple of other fender owners with his rads who are happy, I have, and know others who have used his rads for other motors all happy customers
Got the same as this from same supplier few years back. Its been fine and still looks/works great.
Thor1950
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SNIGGER.......... They do
Well that is probably the exception to the norm - as for me i'll stick with the stronger one
Thanks for your replies. I've been really tempted to purchase the Champion rad as advised by most of you here but was held back because I thought it was cheap for a reason. However it seems that they are reasonably good. I don't need a radiator to last 17 years. The recored one fitted to my vehicle is 6 years old, it had cost around £130 to get recored and is due for replacement. I'll be more than happy if the Champion rad lasts another 6 years (though I doubt I'll keep the vehicle that long).
discomania
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The ones from Champion radiators are excellent and offer better cooling than the brass/copper ones - also greatly reduces the different metals in the coolant system which makes for a less corrosive atmosphere.
I paid £80 for a 300tdi one when I bought it about 5 years ago.
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sp00k
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I bought an ali one about a year ago. I also kept my old copper one to have it recored if the ali one does not work out. I must say, it does seem to work extremely well. No matter how hard I work the engine, the bottom hose is always cool.
I paid the extra and got the copper brass one, couldnt get new intercooler to fit, hammer to end tank sorted!
As for different metals in the cooling system causing a corrosive mix, thats why you need to change the old bluel a/f biannually as its the corrosion additives that get weak not the anti freeze itself which is what most people think.
As for different metals in the cooling system causing a corrosive mix, thats why you need to change the old bluel a/f biannually as its the corrosion additives that get weak not the anti freeze itself which is what most people think.
bigvinnie
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i went for recore, cost 150 quid last week comes with 2 years warranty and I had it back in less than 24hours, So was more than happy
Litch
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Bearmach copper / brass (BTP2275) about £160 depending on supplier.
I have had one for a while now when I (mistakenly) diagnosed a leak on my original 300TDi rad. Bearmach spec was right up there with the original rad and has performed perfectly.
I have had one for a while now when I (mistakenly) diagnosed a leak on my original 300TDi rad. Bearmach spec was right up there with the original rad and has performed perfectly.
