Mk 2 Tdi Radiator Leaking

[jamesey]

hi ive got a 2002 tdi zetec galaxy its been off the road for 2 months for some work for the test like anti roll bar links and rear discs and pads , i got it started and then noticed it was dripping antifreeze from the bottom drivers side running off the intercooler , i think its the radiator ,what are these like to do mine has a/c has anyone got a how 2 , and what are the ebay ones like for

[Saif Rehman]

Hi,

Firstly, make sure it is definitely the radiator that is leaking before you go out and buy a new one. Could the liquid be condensation from the air-con unit????

[jamesey]

no defo antifreeze my a/c doesnt work plus its a sweet taste like antifreeze is . lol

[seatkid]

no defo antifreeze my a/c doesnt work plus its a sweet taste like antifreeze is . lol

Ethylene Glycol has a sweet smell and taste which is attractive to children and pets and is highly toxic. Drinking ethylene glycol will result in depression followed by heart and breathing difficulty, kidney failure, brain damage and even death. Used antifreeze may also contain metals, such as copper, zinc, and lead. All antifreeze, new and used, must be safely stored in order to avoid tragic consequences.

 

Improperly disposed antifreeze can flow into waterways where it can kill fish and other animals. It can seep through the soil and into the groundwater.

 

Some frequently asked questions include:

 

How hazardous is ordinary antifreeze?

 

Two ounces of ethylene glycol antifreeze can kill a dog, one teaspoon can be lethal to a cat, and two tablespoons can be hazardous to children.

[jamesey]

eh wheres that come from? all i need to know is how to do my rad and if there anything i need to know? cheers seatkid

[Saif Rehman]

jamesy, check the hoses first then.

[jamesey]

its coming from the bottom of the rad on the drivers side mines a 115 model auy engine so i think it will need a new rad , im taking the front bumper off or trying to take it off , ive undone all the screws and its loosened it but it still wont budge , ive called it a day for tonight ill carry on tomorrow with it , any clue how to take it off as i need a new intercooler as the plastic to metal joints are leaking oil plus i think i need a new condenser aswell the top plug leaked this summer and i lost all the gas so if im stripping the front down i might aswell do all 3 , do i have to remove the front panel???

[zorgman]

mine started weeping in 2008 put a bottle of kseal in ands its still ok. methinks that the rad has to pull downover and pull out the bottom complete with intercooler

[jamesey]

if i use kseal id be afraid it might leak on my cornwall treck , it would always be at the back of my mind , i need a intercooler anyway , i cant get onto the how tos for some reason for taking the front bumper off , ive taken all the screws out , but it still wont come , ive got parking sensors and driving lamps

[gregers]

if i use kseal id be afraid it might leak on my cornwall treck , it would always be at the back of my mind , i need a intercooler anyway , i cant get onto the how tos for some reason for taking the front bumper off , ive taken all the screws out , but it still wont come , ive got parking sensors and driving lamps

 

are you using internet explorer?

if so try using 'fire fox' 'chrome' or any others.

seems to be an inherant fault using explorer which stops peeps gaining access to the faqs :rolleyes:

[jamesey]

yes ill try chrome or firefox , cheers

[jamesey]

ive got on it with chrome , it explains how to remove the front bumper from a mk1 , ive undone the 3 clip fixings underneath and taken the 4 bolts out of each wheel arch liner that fasnes to the bumper , ive even taken the black insert out that houses the parking sensors looking for screws underneath with no joy , does the skin separate from the bumper bar , im totally stuck and ive only just started , ive got the 3 rads to move and take off after that. Edited February 14, 2012 by jamesey

[jamesey]

:) theres got to be someone out there that knows how to take a mk2 front bumper off , ive got tomorrow off so would like to know for then please , the mk1 has 2 hex bolts behind the reg number , mine doesnt , it seems to be stuck on somthing near the wheel liners i can see a bolt thread on both sides , does the skin come off before the bumper bar?? , im doing my rad and the condensor and dryer tomorrow , do you think it would be best to remove the whole front panel?? :)

[chrispb123456]

Not a lot of difference but this is the MK 2 front bumper

MK2 Bumper removal.PDF

[NikpV]

Not a lot of difference but this is the MK 2 front bumper

MK2 Bumper removal.PDF

 

added to faq - thanks chris

[jamesey]

cheers chris , i tackle it tommorow , do you think it would be best to remove thee complete slam / front panel to get all 3 rads out , rad , a/c , intercooler. im all for doing things easy ;)

[chrispb123456]

Don't think you can do it any other way

[jamesey]

a ball ache , not like the old minis 2nuts out and in in half an hour ;)

[chrispb123456]

I know what your saying but to be honest you don't have to take a galaxy rad out that often, think of all the jobs that required removal of the rad in a mini?

 

Water pump, bypass hose, bottom hose, timing cover/chain, crank pulley/seal.

[jamesey]

just an update , ive finally done it inbetween work and kids commitments , ive built it all back up including a new condenser , i got both for £202 rad and condenser with dryer from euro car parts , my mate had some g12 to refil , only problem is now should i have replaced the o rings in the quick release hoses because the top one is dripping very slightly , im hoping i can do these without another strip down Edited February 29, 2012 by jamesey