MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
This talk about radiators has me wondering, what do they actually do at the radiator shop? Does this solve problems of leaks in the fin area, and does it really get out all the deposits and such? What I'd really like to know is if it really returns the radiator to like new properties. When would recorring not be an option? Thanks.
I have had plenty of radiators recored. They are like new, the only portion on the old radiator used during a recore is the header and footer of the radiator. Its cheaper because the cost is in manufacturing the top and bottom portions of the radiator for a specific vehicle. The center core is the same on all cars(other then how many rows they have).
If you have leaks in the middle of the fin area the only options is a recore or new radiator. Leaks at the ends of the tubes indicate the radiator is in generally bad condition, but may be repairable. As long as the top & bottom tanks, and mounts are in good condition you can recore. Rodding out involves removing the top tank, hooking up a garden hose to the bottom tank hose connection and while water is flowing up through the tubes passing passing a properly sized flat metal rod down through them. As the water flows up the tubes it flushes out the scale and deposits as they are broken loose by the rod. Then the whole thing is flushed out, reassembled, pressure tested, and painted.
