hi,im just wondering is it standard practice to need to replace an otherwise fine radiator, when you replace a head gasket! apaprently we need to, if we dont we have no warranty on our new headgasket! which was put in with other engine parts. just wondering if this is normal,before we go ahead with it. thanks
gizmsme,
Sep 4, 6:39pm
Would think getting yours stripped and cleaned would be fine.Buying second hand will be a risk and buying new will be expensive.Get the opinion of a radiator specialist.
kazbanz,
Sep 4, 6:58pm
martian--Its extremely unusual for a head gasket to just "blow" There is in most cases a cause. If the mechanic is sayin you need a new radiator that suggests strongly that he has establishedyour old radiator is blocked up or falling to bits. Also in some makes/models (ford courier diesel ute comes to mind) It a well known fault that the factory rad blocks and its better to fit an aftermarket replacement
mugenb20b,
Sep 4, 7:28pm
Yes.kind of. Basically, radiators get sent away for a rod out, which costs around $100. However, the radiator specialist may recommend replacing it because the original may not look so good (for example, cracks in the tanks, damaged core etc.).
Radiators only need to be 10% blocked in order to create overheating problems. So as a general rule, when a head gasket job is done, so does the radiator and in some cases, the water pump and cambelt depending on the engine type.
bellky,
Sep 4, 7:31pm
Maybe try another mechanic! Oh no I see, too late for that as the work is already done I guess. Now they've just got you over a barrel over the warranty. I don't like the sound of your mechanic place much.
martian101,
Sep 4, 8:01pm
is going to cost $250 plus gst for a new one, im assuming not just parts in it! this car is costing a flamin fortune! we are now up to just on $2800 for the motor and radiator work. when i crashed it,it had new radiator supports welded,so i am also guessing this may have damaged the radiator! i dont know a heapabout cars so kinda using you guys as my "in between man/woman" sorry. the engine has had 2 valves replaced and a piston.along with the headgasket,and he said have to do the bearings once the heads off. now new radiator. and we STILL have no real idea WHY its blown. we were guessing the carbon buildup with it being a GDI engine,but mechanic cant prove it.
bex25388,
Sep 4, 8:09pm
Can see how new radiator support welds could possibly damage the radiator. Just pay for the new radiator its worth it in the long run.
martian101,
Sep 4, 8:25pm
we are paying for it, figured we know bugger all about cars so im not about to refuse to pay for soemthing.just wanted to know if it was something normally done :) i could understand it,if it was because of the support bits,but to say we only need it to satisfy the warranty on the new head gasket! thats what got us thinking.
budgel,
Sep 4, 9:24pm
It sounds like the mechanic thinks old radiator is the cause of the gasket blowing and wants to make sure his repair will be ok.
floscey,
Sep 4, 9:29pm
good luck getting any warranty on ahead gasket regardless of radiator being replaced or not.
thunderbolt,
Sep 4, 9:42pm
Why was the piston replaced!
Second hand motor with a warranty may have been a better option.
kazbanz,
Sep 5, 12:04am
I think you misunderstand. or its incorrect wording. A reputable mechanic with "stand behind" his workmanship. Nowadays he has to by law but well before the law cuts in theres his reputation. BUT if he knows that the origonal cause of the pop was the radiator and given its blocked or just worn out then he wont stand behind a repair thats gonna go bang
martian101,
Sep 5, 1:28am
thanks for that jmma, before i crashed the car radiator was perfectly fine. head gasket hasnt "blown", we just needed one while he was doing the other work! radiator was still full of water,after motor went spastic so i am really stumped.hubby has said to go ahead with the repairs (no choice really!) and yeah i probably just sitting here moaning and b**ching cos i dont want to fork out just shy of $3k worth of damage that could be used for something much more fun.
mugenb20b,
Sep 5, 3:20am
A 2000 model Mitsi Dion with a GDi engine.and you decided to get the head gasket fixed.and it's been in accident in the past. OK.
I can't understand why you would bother spending money on a car that's worth as much as its repairs.
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