Leaking Radiator - 205td

Hi,

I damaged the radiator on my 1991 205 turbo diesel whilst changing the
starter motor. Currently it is leaking coolant into a bowl at about 100ml /
hour. Does the group suggest using something like Radweld or is a new
radiator required. Prices for the TD are expensive (unlike the other
models) - £100-£140.

In any case the coolant will be flushed. Does anyone know the ratio of
water/anti-freeze and the capacity of the cooling system? I have read that
changing the coolant is not trival, requiring bleeding as the engine warms
and adding coolant accordingly to avoid air pockets.

Thanks,

Clive

 

Hi,

/
That's a pity.

IMO, new radiator needed, as Radweld doesn't make miracles. I guess you
really shagged your rad, and runaway is too important.

I've heard TD rads were specific. It could explain that.

No need of ratio as long as you take "ready to use" coolant. I guess no one
uses distilled or tap water with antifreeze additive since 15 years.
Capacity of the cooling circuit : approx. 8.3l.

True.

 

Do NOT use Radweld - when I tried it, it didn't stop the leak but did
block the radiator to the point that I had to replace it anyway.

FWIW, I use one of two techniques with radiators:
1. Barrs Leaks seems to work well with small leaks; I used it several
times without any problems, even leaving it in the coolant for months.
2. For larger leaks, no chemical sealant seems to work. If you want to
go to the trouble; remove the radiator, dry it off & lay it flat. Find
the exact position of the leak, and put masking tape underneath the leak
for several inches around. Pour resin around the leak to make a solid
block about 4-5 cm across the full depth of the radiator. I've done that
with no more leaks and no noticeable loss of cooling effect. OTOH, it's
a lot of work to do it properly, and unless you really want to save
money I'd get either an exchange unit or one from a scrappy. I've used
http://www.parts4peugeot.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_205__28.html
before; they seem fairly reasonable.
Dave

 

I remember that being a bit of a sod to get out. It looked like it
ought to come out downwards but it won't go past the sump and
radiator, so you have to swing the power steering reservoir out of the
way and take it out upwards.

A temporary fix would be chewing gum I once drove from Birmingham
to London with a pack of Wrigleys bunging a major hole. I topped up
with plain water as soon as the coolant level warning came on and
refilled the 5l container of water in the boot at the first
opportunity after each fill. I think I only had to top up twice. At
this time of year you can get away with plain water but don't use it
too long as the antifreeze contains anti-corrosives and plain water
will contain solutes that could damage your engine.

IIRC there are bleed screws in all the appropriate places.

 

The reason why TD radiators are expensive, is because they are so big in
comparison to other 205's. I had an XAD before and built in a turbodiesel
engine. It was cooled by a radiator from a GTI, which is slightly smaller.
http://home.tiscali.nl/jonflorijn/jon/pics/radiateur/rad2.jpg

The one on the left is of a Dturbo. I tried to swap them because the Dturbo
was leaking water. But the mounting holes on the underside didn't match, so
that's different from other 205's as well. I couldn't find another radiator
and a new one was way too expensive, so I had mine fixed by a professional
radiator company. This costed only ?60,-. A new radiator was about ?150,-.

Maybe that's an option for you too.

Good luck anyway.

Greets, Jon.