Since I've been back in Texas, my XKR has been running a little hot. I've had to turn the air conditioner off several times when I was in traffic to keep it out of the red (yes, I have RealGauge). Because of this I thought I'd have the radiator flushed. However, when I took it into the shop they told me that the drain plug was stripped and were afraid to take it off to do the flush for fear of breaking the radiator. I've looked online and the radiators go for around $800. With labor we'd be looking at probably at least $1300, maybe more. Another option suggested by the shop is an upgraded Aluminum radiator for around $2000. The final option is to do nothing and hope for the best. As overheating is catastrophic for the engine, the last option is not very attractive to me. What do you guys suggest?


Mark

 

I'd find another flush-shop.

These radiators are super tough. Get a can of Kroil, start spraying the fitting a week ahead of time, so it can do some heat cycling - then let them remove it. ( and no, it REALLY does not leak a drop, but does get a bit WARM in FL )

 

Be very, very careful ordering a radiator. Ordered mine and gave them my VIN and got the non-SC one, but for 2003.5 and greater and so I have one sitting in a closet ( my mechanic got one that day), company I ordered from would not send me another till they received mine, I could not wait.

Moral, ask lots of questions, including what size are the trans cooling ports and are they male/female. Because descriptions can be wrong on websites.

 

On my 2004 xkr the drain **** is hard to get at. Lots of stuff in the way and a messy way to drain the rad. The muffler shop I went to for a rad flush and thermostat change just opened the large input and output hoses up top of engine and used their flush apparatus to push 1st water and old coolant into large pails until clear then added rad cleaner, circulated that into every part of the rad system. The new 50/50 coolant was then added until it came thru. They then added the new stat. and circulated coolant to rid air. The s/c needed to be air bled too. Maybe the order of the steps are not bang on but just saying this an alternative to using the drain **** at bottom of rad.

 

As always, you guys give great advice. I plan to find a shop that specializes in radiators and have them look at it. I plan to specifically talk to them about hnh375's process. Thanks guys,


Mark

 

Question, did you check that he rad fans were operating with the AC on? I believe from my reading they are always on when AC is active. Just a sanity check before you swap rads.. good luck

 

Good question but yes, I checked and the fans are on with the AC.


Mark

 

Mjlaris,

Any updates on your radiator replacement? I'll be replacing mine quite soon, unfortunately.



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I work out of my home and just try to stay out of traffic during the heat of the day. I plan to replace the radiator sometime over the winter with a larger all aluminum radiator. I have talked to a local shop about doing this work but that's as far as I have gotten.


Mark

 

I just replaced my radiator on a 2004 XKR. Partsgeek had one for $210.00. It worked perfectly. It was made by Nissens and had all the correct connections for the transmission lines (there was an adapter on the fittings). Also used an All Pro waterpump that I was pleased with, seemed the quality was as good as original at half the price.