Do you think getting the new rad in this should sort out the problem or is there anything else I should look at?

I had this problem of regularly overheating when stationary, although I didn't have any leaks. It was an airlock in the system and so needed bleeding. I basically removed the thermostat at the base of the rad and drained it. Flushed it through. Replaced the stat as they're only about a tenner (or were) and put about a 30 per cent mix of anti freeze in which in the summer helps with the cooling. And has been fine for the past few yrs. Also if the car stands for long periods this doesn't help.
If the rad is leaking you might as well bite the bullet and replace it and not have the worry of it failing in the future.
hope this helps

Nice one Baggee, any idea where I can get stat?

if you are not losing water then doubtful it's a leak. You will see or notice it ie constantly topping up the system or damp patches where the car is stood.

Possibilities are thermostat. It may be sticking and would be cheap to replace. Could also be a blockage in the system or possibly an air lock restricting water flow.

I would first flush the system to remove any air blocks or physical blockages and top up. Just use water. If this works and the engine runs fine then simply do a water replacement with a suitable antifreeze water combo.

If you are happy that the system is completely full and the problem still persists then go for the thermostat.

Also may be worth checking the water pump. Assuming it is belt driven (I don't know for sure on this) it could be the belt is loose and not turning the pump fast enough.

Thats how I would check it anyway

hey Chris, great minds and all that :razz:

Stats you can get from any motor factors

Word leak means that something is leaking, right? :D So, there is no coolant loss, so coolant isn't leaking, what else can leak - air at atmosphere pressure leaks into coolant? :D

My B3 have a leak, old rubber hoses leaks a little bit coolant, if it heats up to 95c, so if there is dry weather, I can see on cover, that's beneath engine compartment, some coolant and I can smeel it. Whatever.

What can it be? I have seen some radiators that have corroded so heavely, that theese "ribs" or whatever it's called can be ripped off with a match - because there on joints are not metal but oxide, it doesn't transfer heat. It can be termostat, yeah. Water pump? poopcoupe, how about heat from heater when car is standing and iddling? But I don't think it's pump anyway. And belt it can't be, I looked in ETKA, looks like water pump is driven by cam belt, am I right? And if it wouldn't be cam belt, it would make some sound when slipping anyway.

Right, Im going for the system flush this week, also we noticed on the bottom of the car when lifted that there seemed to ne some green coolant on the bottom of the engine. Now whenparked there is no sign of leaks but htis coolant is visable on the underside. I have ordered Stat to change. Apparently my rad has seem better days so after flush if that hasnt worked I will change rad. Now my engine is filthy so Im getting the engine bay cleaned, then I can see if any fresh leaks etc. Water pump is fine because if on way out it wouldnt work when up to speed? Does this sound like the right coarse of action?

Hi. I had the same bother with my coupe gt radiator. Like you say it is one less job to worry about. If you have a look at Advanced Radiators website they have a guide that gives you the frame size for the refitting as there are a few different sizes of core and the bolt holes may not line up. As for the over heating in traffic, my coupe is doing the same thing even with a new radiator & thermostat fitted and the fan fully working. I think there is a thermostat that fits to the core of the radiator and that will bring the fan in for as long as it is required. I'm not sure on that as I have not tried it yet!
Regards.
thefirstdoc1

If water pump is dying, it can make nice sounds when iddling, it can make coolant loss without sights and it can make too weak flow of coolant in lover rpms.

thefirstdoc1 what - termostat in radiator? :hmmm:

msh - what sound does the pump make as Ive got various strange noises going on when hot!