Radiator Re-core

I've got the radiator out of my car (1964 TE21) as my water pump was leaking. The car overheats in traffic in the summer, but it's good on the open road. I'm fitting a Kenlowe to help in traffic, but is it worth getting my rad re-cored. If so, I've heard that you can upgrade to a more efficient core - is that worth it?  Cheers, Mike Posted by Mikee 28/10/2012 20:29:37

Before going the the expense of re-coring your radiator it might be worth attempting to clean it first.  I've had success using the de-sludgers designed for central heating systems. Sentinel make a "gentle" cleaner X300 that you may wish to consider, and together flushing afterwards using water and compressed air line you may be surprised how much rubbish you can remove from your radiator!   Hope that helps,  Richard Posted by Richard 31/10/2012 13:30:09

Mike,  Sludge cleaners are good insitu, however as you have got the radiator out it really is worthwhile to take it to a firm that specialises in automotive cooling systems. They can flow test it and if it is in overall good physical condition they can remove the top tank and clean out the core with rods. If the opinion is that the core may have seen better days then they have the ability to offer expert advise as to which type of core would be best as a replacement.   As an aside you should thoroughly clean the block. If this has not been done for a while it may be in your best interest to remove the bottom large core plugs and flush/scrape out any built up detritus. Posted by RichardWallach 01/11/2012 20:17:50

Mike Make sure the recore/rebuild includes a wet box around the starting handle hole,if you don't have one you lose about 15-20% of the cooling area, but I suspect you will still overheat.The main issue with these engines is sludge and if the block has not been desludged properly in the last 20 years this is the cure and the biggest radiator/Kenlowe will not solve the problem. The job is horrible,head off,welch washers out, water pump off, then start digging with old knives,hacksaw blades and wire coathangers,when finished you should be able to see the full length and outer surface of each cylinder,expect to remove  about 1.5kg of rubbish .The worst build up is usually at the back end ,no3 onwards. You can try central heating descaler but can be v.corrosive.Check also that the 1/4" hole behind the lower elbow is clear. The car should then run super cool and you may have to blank off the radiator and even remove the fan blades! Good Luck Posted by Peter Martin 03/11/2012 12:53:57