I have had an X1/9 for about a year now. It is currently SORN and I am looking for a garage to get it back on the road (it had a problem with overheating before I took it off road. I can't seem to find anyone nearby that could take a look. I live in Brighton. Anyone know of any garages in or near Sussex that would be able to do this kind of work?
Often overheating is down to a silted-up radiator and/or pipes, poor circulation or a thermostat fault.
Budget about £300 for re-cored radiator, a new water pump is fairly inexpensive as is a new thermostat mechanism- the thermostat housing is quite expensive (£100ish) if it needs replacing.
None of it is difficult, just a bit time consuming
Andrew, (Guildford)
Midwest Bayless in the States have just started to market an uprated radiator that is guaranteed for 3 years, it is the same size as original one. I appreciate shipping not cheap but would probably last years. People do fit a VW one but bodywork modification req.
Try a reverse flush of the system first as it is free. Stick a hose pipe on the small elbow shaped pipe coming out of the rear right hand side of the engine, open the heater control to hot on the dash, take the radiator cap off and give it a good flush. Refill with proper coolant and bleed properly.
Isn't this a very expensive option to ship parts in from the USA ?
I had my 1500 rad re-cored by a local radiator specialist, lovely job - cost £170 it looks as new and of course looks original too. As David & Andrew just described, I had the whole system, hoses etc replaced and flushed etc etc.
Drove it (well gave it a thrashing) just a week ago when we had 32degC+ and my face got a good sun tan but the temp. gauge never went past 90.
Been really pleased with it.
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