I've just got myself a 2000 p38 dhse auto but unlucky for me the rad has split at the top reading about this I can see it's a common problem either bad design or the rad or pressure build up in the system . I've been looking at the all aluminium rads but cant find one that's listed just to fit the auto only manual and the only difference I can see is the two outlets on the bottom think they are for cooling the manual gear box . Can I buy the manual one and just blank the two ports off ? Or has anyone fitted a diffrent rad as a upgrade ? Was thinking if the one from the v8 would fit as that has top and bottom inlet and outlets would just need a different hose . Any advise and info very appreciated please
Not many if any auto rads about. You could get them a few years ago, i got one for mine when the top split. But now makers only seem to make manual ones for both applications. Fitting a manual one and blanking the oil cooler outlets would be fine.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
Split RAD's are common. If you want to play, it is just possible with some fiddling to fit the RAD from the GEMS V8.
You can also get custom made all metal RADS, I have one on my project car.
brianp38dse
Well-Known Member
Make sure your replacement rad has a baffle fitted in the top, there a few out there that dont so check new one.
RangeRoller dt
Well-Sprung Member
What’s the mileage? Heads can go but aren’t too bad they can take a fair cooking.
Is theV8 has head issues.
Is theV8 has head issues.
Just make sure the pipe to the expansion tank is free and fill it up. Run it a while topping up as required. Some people park it on the steepest hill they can find.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
It helps to raise the front of the car a little and to rapidly squeeze and release the top RAD hose with the engine idling. Make sure there is a trickle of coolant out of the bleed pipe into the expansion tank.
As others have said, check the baffle in the header with the marble test.
it's done 160k
So has mine and mine seems OK. Powerboxes are a risk in my opinion. If it has one of them fitted I would be nervous.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
Got rid of the power box on mine after the gearbox started to call enough.
Powerboxes don't knacker gearboxes. Towing at speeds above torque lock with one fitted can.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
They do negate the torque reduction strategy that is used on gear shifts to protect the box.
You tow at below 50mph?
I will be using this to tow a caravan so am I best to avoid tuning boxes then
Well bit of good news for a change as you know I've just brought this p38 and the rad split on our way home and reading all the stories about HGF and heads cracking I was expecting the worse as the coolant system seems to keep building pressure . So I got me a testing kit and got the car up to temp hoses started to go hard I did the test twice just to make sure and as you can see in my picture the blue test fluid didn't turn yellow showing there isnt any gases getting into the system so that's all good but wondering why I'm getting pressure I'm turning towards the coolant cap it's a right pain to remove when cold but easy when warm . I've got a good strong flow of water back to the bottle so would say the water pump is working so either the cap . Stat . Or massive air lock what would you folks say cheers for your help
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Coolant pressure should be around 5 to 7 PSI engine up to temp at idle.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
Yes.
I tow up to the maximum allowed from time to time with the standard engine power.
Datatek
Well-Known Member
Normal pressure in the system makes the hoses feel hard. The cap if I remember correctly is set to 14psi.
