Radiator Options

[steamo]

Hi,

I've just bought a mk1 cavalier with the 2.0 engine fitted. The mechanical fan has been replaced with an electric one (manually switched), however it seems to be running a little hot still even with the fan on constantly (which I'm not too keen on anyway). The car was originally a 1600 so not sure if the existing rad is even the right one for the 2.0 if they are different.

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas on a uprated rad which will cool it without the need for constant fan cooling (so I can keep the electric one for traffic jams etc) or am I better off trying to source the original mechanical fan.

Cheers

[james]

Hi Mate,

Are you sure the engine is actually running hot? It could be a faulty voltage regulator ( common fault ) so the gauge reads higher than it should. Is the fuel gauge accurate?

[manta400john]

As James says above, turn ignition ON and leave on for a minute,long enough for the fuel guage to go up and settle...then start the engine while watching the guage,if it goes up then this would suggest the voltage stabiliser behind the dash is wonky.

Does the engine boil over?

John.

[Brown Job]

Since no-one else has mentioned it, yes, the rads are different. The 19S/20S had a biggger rad.

But my money is also on the narsty little voltage reg.

BJ

[mantadoc]

The 1600 rad with a narrower core and "spacer" from the side of the frame to the mounts on the cowling is inadequate for any bigger engine. Been there, done that, but as said before - voltage reg blah blah blah.

[steamo]

Hi cheers for the info, I'm assuming that the radiator is the smaller 1600 job due to the comment about spacers.

I'll check out the voltage regulator as well but it looks like a bigger rad is in order. Heres a pic of the rad if someone could confirm?

Assuming this is the small rad would the larger one cool the engine without the need for a constant fan or should I be looking for a uprated one?

[rutts]

yes that is the little rad get an old rad and have it re-cored it costs between £70-£90 and check voltage regulator for correct performance.

[steamo]

Cheers I suspected as much. On the lookout for a rad then.

[g_gjikas]

i took the old 2.0 radiator and instead of two columns of cells(as it has from the factory),i put 3 lines.In other words i made it more dense-thick.Now it is better even in the HOT Greece summers.

Edited March 16, 2010 by g_gjikas

[keith1200]

Thats def not an orignial mk1 1.6 Cavalier radiator. Looks like a later 80s/90s type.

[spiney_norman]

The 1600 rad with a narrower core and "spacer" from the side of the frame to the mounts on the cowling is inadequate for any bigger engine. Been there, done that, but as said before - voltage reg blah blah blah.

Lol. That's probably why I see water evaporating off the bonnet of mine in the rain then!