Radiator issue

mr_edge_to_you

I recently bought a 1.7 diesel i40 (2013). I noticed some puffs of steam/smoke coming from the radiator grill one morning driving to work. When I looked I could see a noticeable amount of condensation/moisture on the radiator grill.

Brought it back to the seller as it is under warranty who sent it back to his mechanic. The mechanic told me on Friday that the rad needing replacing as it had a hole. I got a call yesterday saying they were able to repair it without changing the actual rad. I know it’s common enough for such a repair to be done so wasn’t overly concerned - would’ve preferred a new rad though.

Anyway, I noticed the same build up of moisture on the grill again this morning so I’m still concerned.

Anyone have any advice before I contact the seller again?

Toyotafanboi

Yeah you wouldn't usually see a radiator for a car being repaired, replacement is usually the only certain cure. The only way to "repair" would be using Radweld or similar products which doesn't have a great success rate tbh.

Sierra Oscar

They possibly used Radweld but even if it's successful it's really only a temporary fix. The problem will reoccur eventually. I'd look to get the radiator replaced.

Henry Ford III

Take it back and ask for it to be replaced. It's not fixed. Is it covered by your warranty?

If so tell them you have had to replace coolant and are worried it might overheat.

Toyotafanboi

The only thing is and this may be why a temporary repair was attempted, a hole in a radiator is usually caused by impact which your warranty wouldn't cover.

mr_edge_to_you

Many thanks to you all for your contributions.

I spoke to the guy this morning about this and it seems that a replacement radiator is now on order.

mr_edge_to_you

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

The only thing is and this may be why a temporary repair was attempted, a hole in a radiator is usually caused by impact which your warranty wouldn't cover.

I fully appreciate that a hole could be caused by something simple such as a stray branch/stone and indeed it may have arisen since I took ownership of the car, but I strongly suspect that it was an existing issue. I first noticed and reported it within two weeks of buying the car along with a separate unrelated issues. I only have it a month, I can confidently say that I wasn't involved in any impacts that may have caused it.

Thanks again for your input!

Toyotafanboi

Ah I'm not neccessarily saying you caused it, just be aware that it may be a stick they could use to try and beat you.

If you've only owned the car a week or two and they already tried to radweld it, i'd be confident that they were already aware of it.

Hold your ground. A new radiator should be easy to identify, so make sure they are as good as their word.

mr_edge_to_you

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Ah I'm not neccessarily saying you caused it, just be aware that it may be a stick they could use to try and beat you.

If you've only owned the car a week or two and they already tried to radweld it, i'd be confident that they were already aware of it.

Ye - that stick was already used!

I only have it 5 weeks, been off the road for 6 days already with 2 issues and is now heading for it’s 3rd return visit. As a result I’m just not feeling love for the car, which is a shame because I like the model - I know they’re not without their issues but I would expect well over 6 months before things start cropping up.

When I think of the issues I’m encountering I suspect the person who had the car previously may have spotted them and decided the best course of action was to trade it in and run.