Looking like I'm going to need a new radiator. There are a lot to choose from on ebay. They are various thickness 62mm/ 74mm 3 row etc. Anybody recommend one for an 89 v12? Thanks

 

I'd talk to NAR in Northhampton,, I have only heard good things about them. They do specialize in Jaguar radiators.
https://www.nargroup.com/product-cat...ar/jaguar-xjs/

 

Brinny
I have no experience of the ally ones on ebay; but if you go for one, buy the thinnest, not the thicker ones, as they cool better in the XJS application, and thick ones can give aircon condenser fit problems.
NAR are the top people, more pricey obviously, but they are the best.
In your position, with a rad that is OEM, I would get that one recored. You then know it will fit properly, NAr can do it, but so can any decent rad shop near you. FWIW, I believe it is well worth the expense of fixing it properly.

 

FWIW, I believe it is well worth the expense of fixing it properly.[/QUOTE]

That is what I was thinking to be honest greg. I am going to make sure it is the rad and then either repair or I might know where theres a nice second hand one. The guys that did my fuel tank were very good and they do radiators.

 

Just spoke to a local repair shop and it looks like that's the way forward.

 

Hi Brinny

If it were me I would always go for a Re-Core, which I did on my 1990 and it came back not only looking but also performing like new!

And only cost £250 which was a lot less expensive than a new OEM at about £600

 

I've dropped it off this afternoon for a re core £200 plus the vat so £240 with a 2 year guarantee. This car eats money.

 

Just wait until you start driving it! The car will so SO wonderful you will go through 200 quids worth of 4 star quicker than you can believe, and the miles you do will pass in a blur of joy and satisfaction. You are on the cheap part of ownership right now, Brinny!

 

Ha ha ha ha !!!

 

Hi Brinny

Greg wasn't joking either!

On the day that I got 'Cherry Blossom' the Tank was almost empty, so I called into a Garage and thought I'd fill her up! and decided not to look at the gauge but instead just pour the Petrol in until the Garage Filler Pump Cut out

£108 pounds later..............! and in one Weekend it was all gone!

 

I had my rad re-cored, my Jag mechanic could not believe the crud baked in he simply would not put the old one back in and said it must of been 40lb over weight. Years of chasing heat issues GONE. Operating temp 30% lower as per the finnicky barrel gauge.

stock cooling is plenty if maintained. I would suggest a tight wire mesh behind grille and air intake areas front of radiator to prevent all future buildup.

 

Just picked my re cored rad up. Glad I had it done rather than used an Ali one. Just seems right. Yet another unexpected bill lol. Just when you think theres nothing left to cost you........!!!!!

 

Brinny

Do what I do and live in a Tent in the Garden and eat Road Kill