UK radiator problem solved

[Roger Crier]

The core of my coolant radiator has failed and a UK Honda replacement would set me back around £270 inc VAT. I was not impressed with that price considering how small it is, and an ebay search found no after market ones, and even the large repair companys could not obtain a suitable sized core, so a repair is out.

I was panicking by now, but I have now bought a US after market rad for $87 with $51 postage, so that is £87, and if customs poke their nose in it will add about another £28, making £115, saving the best part of £183 or £155, which I may spend on alcohol to calm my nerves!

For comparison, the massive rad in my Mazda Bongo cost £105 to replace as a UK after market buy, and I do not expect to discover the after market rads to be any different to the expensive Honda /Mazda ones, which both lasted 10 years, but I will have to wait another ten years to fully confirm that, and by then, my memory will be so shot that I will not remember to re-post the findings anyway.....

[retepsnikrep]

Please update us fully with all the pics and info etc when it arrives and gets installed.

Link for the US supplier please?

I agree 10-12 years is prob about it for the life of the oem one in our climate and salty roads. I've had to replace one so far in my 255,000 mile 2001 car.

[Roger Crier]

Here is a link to the USA ebay shop. I have linked this rather than the item so the link lasts. Search for "TYC part #2745 Honda Insight Radiator" It seems all years had the same rad.

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My core had rotted at the bottom and also to a lesser extent at the top. Some of this may have been caused by lack of airflow due to my Rad blocker. I am going to make sure that the new radiator has a rad blocker that allows airflow at the top and bottom, and only blocks air in a central band, giving the lower and upper areas a good chance to dry out as they are prone to staying wet anyway due to lesser airflow and a more complicated shape, so need help if corrosion is going to be held at bay.

Rad comes out easily......Put the car on axle stands to get a bit of height, remove lower alloy aero plate to get to the bottom hose and drain tap, and then undo the cross member that the bonnet latch is fitted to and fold out of the way. A couple more hose clips, fan electric connector and bits and bobs and the rad and fan assembly slide downwards and out if the height is right. It could come upwards but would be more of a fiddle.

[Roger Crier]

The Rad arrived a while back and fitted a treat. Customs did stop it, but it works fine and is very shiny and new