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Rad change advice
carlknight1982 - 6/2/13 at 08:25 PM

Ok so during last year I had some cooling issues so I've decided to swap the rad for this swish alloy one HONDA CIVIC 92-00 EG EK ALUMINUM RACING RADIATOR | eBay

Now my previous polo rad didn't have a cap this one does, so my question is do I do away with the header tank and just use the rad cap for filling the cooling system
Or do I keep it

How would you guys plumb this up to a pinto?
I know I've lost my rd fan switch point by loosing the polo rad but I'm going to get a joiner with a thread in it from CBS and stick it in the top rad hose

Any problems foreseen or suggestions

[Edited on 6/2/13 by carlknight1982]

SPYDER - 6/2/13 at 08:44 PM

You can only use the rad cap for filling if it is the high point of the whole system.

carlknight1982 - 6/2/13 at 08:49 PM

It would be if I eliminate the header tank

britishtrident - 6/2/13 at 09:37 PM

Two caps give a major danger of airlocks.

Pressure caps don't just vent pressure they have a second valve a vacuum breaker valve to allow air back in.

carlknight1982 - 6/2/13 at 10:27 PM

So the consensus is to ditch the header tank so next should I run an expansion bottle
Like this
linky

James - 7/2/13 at 12:54 AM

A Polo rad is used with all sorts of significantly higher power and hotter running engines than a Pinto.

It is more than up to the job if plumbed correctly!

carlknight1982 - 7/2/13 at 10:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by James
A Polo rad is used with all sorts of significantly higher power and hotter running engines than a Pinto.

It is more than up to the job if plumbed correctly!


Thanks for that I've been through the cooling system with a fine tooth comb the pipe work was correct the stat was drilled the water pump brand new (twice) head gasket replaced also.

So I decided to ditch the polo rad for the civic one as a precaution and for when my st170 lump goes in next year.

I'm not arguing that the polo rad is generally ok for most engines I have just decided to change it. And was looking for a little advice on the new set up

RK - 7/2/13 at 01:54 PM

why don't you add some ducting? It is a bit of a pain to get it all fitting right, but it is quite a nice feeling when done. I would bet you anything that it would help hugely.

That said, I've got that rad you are looking at, and have overheated a few times; mostly I think because of air in the system. I didn't bleed enough before closing it up. Let the car run a bit, add more fluid, and when full, and the bubbles disappear, turn the car off, and put the cap back on.

Also, the Civic rad is higher than it is wide, which made putting my intercooler piping in quite difficult. This isn't specifically your problem I know, but just to let you know, it is not a standard part that fits as the other rads like the Polo's do.