Another new radiator

[Novice Racer]

Right. Some of you will know that I have had on-going coolant problems for the last few hundred miles.

Suggestions for correction have been header tank cap replacement, pipe to radiator leak, HGF and radiator leak from end-caps.

Well, the problem finally declared itself today, so congratualtions to Robin who told me on friday when I saw him that it would be the end caps that were the most likely problem. Stomped on the throttle and got a coolant spray from the drivers side onto the windscreen this pm. Limped home the few miles, access panel off and noted that the spongy stuff the radiator sits in is soaked with coolant. Dry however on the passenger's side. Also there are traces of coolant right around the plastic end-cap where the radiator crimps are .

Will be ordering a new one from elise-parts but before that questions are :
1) is it def the rad, or is there the chance of something else?
2) can I drive it to Jude Performance? Don't want MMC to have my car after previous experiences.
3) how much should I expect to pay for a front clam off?

Many thanks

NR

[Rich H]

1. could just be a hose come off, dunno if you can check with an S2. An S1 I just stick my arm up between the clam and the wheel arch liner and grope about (Fnarr!) until I find the hoses.

2. No way. Do not drive with a coolant leak at all unless its just a clip that can be tightened. The coolant will simply piss away and your heading for a major HGF. The coolant system will be full of air and won't circulate properly so you'll probably not even notice a temp rise until it's too late.

3. Not a clue. Took my front clam off in my parents garage over Christmas, took about 2 hours or so, and that was in a garage where I could only open one door at a time and on my own. Again that is an S1 though.

Ali rads are supposed to by the cows cock but the uprated liz parts one looks the biz and isn't that much more. IIRC there are a few other options out there too.

HTH
Rich