Need a new radiator

[keynote22]

My 2001 Disco LE has pin hole leaks in the core near the plastic endcaps. It seems there are 2 radiators available...one for $160ish and one for $369 for the "with air injection" radiator.

So..what's the "with air injection" radiator?
How do I tell if I have it?
Do I need it?
If Im going to spend $369 for a radiator it sure as heck isnt going to be the OEM...who sells drop in upgrades?

 

[Disco Mike]

You might want to have the radiator inspected and repaired, or get it recored if necessary.
Mike J.

 

[Ron]

Do you have the secondary air (little holes in the heads with pipes coming oujt of them)? If not you can't beat 160 for OEM.

 

[keynote22]

doesnt look like I have extra tubes...there's the spark plug holes then a hole next to it with a plug in it...?? Is this where the air tube would be? Thanks for the help.

according to atlantic british...my vin number says i have air injection = $369 radiator

 

[eburrows]

Keynote, I have gone through this exact scenerio with my '00 D2. I was told the same thing, so I looked, and sure enough, I had all the air injection gear, so I bought the more expensive radiator. But, guess what? It seems not all engines with air injection systems need the 'air injection radiator's. Here's how you can difinitively tell if you need the more expensive part (which differs only in the addition of a single temperature sensor.... grrrr):

Reach your hand down on the passenger's side of the radiator, just beneath the large coolant hose and oil cooler hose. On the plastic endcap, is, or is not a temperature sensor, with a brass body and a plastic electrical connector. You should even be able to see it if you look down at an angle.

If the sensor is there, you need the more expensive radiator. If not, don't bother paying for a sensor you can't plug in!

 

[keynote22]

no sensor!!! yay!

Now I just need to know about performance upgrades that are bolt in. I have seen a few threads on going with a larger core if I want it rebuilt but no real information on costs or if some one sells a bolt in replacements.

 

[keynote22]

British pacific comes to the rescue!! They sent me the fische drawings showing the location of the temp sensor...which I dont have. Additionally they sent me the drawings of the air tubes...which are located on the drivers side between the throttle body and the fire wall. The tubes mount to a bracket that attaches to the upper intake manifold via two 1/4 inch studs just above the valve cover. In my case all I can see is 2 empty bolt holes.

With regards to an improved radiator...it seems the rover radiator has as much cooling capacity as anyone would ever want..there fore no upgrade is readily available or needed. Hope this helps the next radiator info seeker.

Thanks for the help all