hey guys
i want to hear what do you think i should do with this 1988 xjs radiator ? repair or replace it ?

 

Clean first, see whether it falls apart or leaks, if it does its up to you, either buy new or repair this one. Mine was even worse than yours, but cleaned up perfectly and will still last me a while. On the other hand the AC condenser on my much newer x300 fallen apart and into multiple parts while simply lifting it from the car

 

It looks pretty rough. And we're only seeing the outside. More often than not these 20-25-30 year old radiators simply need replacing.

But new radiators are expensive. Take it to a radiator repair shop. They'll disassemble it, acid dip it, and then be able to tell you what you've got. Sometimes all they need is a good cleaning, inside and out. Worth a try; you might get lucky..

Cheers
DD

 

Stop dreaming: replace it or recore it. It is shot.

 

That'll buff right out.

 

I don't like the way the fins are corroded on the bottom. I think it's time for a recore or replacement.

 

 

Would it be worth it to have the rad copper plated or some other conductive material? forget the cost for the moment but isn't copper far more conductive then straight steel?

 

These older radiators are made of copper with brass side tanks. No need to plate it with copper!

 

Interesting, where the paint has peeled off of mine it is more of a grey colour not copper-ish

 

The top and bottom rail is steel, but the tubes are brass and the fins are copper.

 

Don't know what clime Shahar's car lives in. So, I'm not sure if that is rust from the slush from the roadway or coolant leakage.

Either way, it sure does need at least a cleaning, at the very least.

It may survive a boil out and live a bit longer. But, if a rodding is needed, it;'s chances of surviving that brutal process is dim

I see the color of the fins and tubes as old black radiator paint.

Carl

 

that radiator is done for, re-core/replace.