[sleekgt]

I have an 88 and did exactly what you ask about.

check out this thread on my experience

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/aftermarket-aluminum-esprit-radiator-leaking-after-20-months-150618/#post2166274

 

[sleekgt]

[snip]
So, I am looking for the best solution. clearly, replacing with the aluminum radiator is not it!
[snip]I'll prob keep my OEM radiator... as this seems to be the best option.

You'd think that the shroud is a part that creates enough problems for someone to have picked up a replacement manufactured? [snip]

I forgot to update that radiator thread: the vendor replaced the radiator with a new unit (but I did have to pay labor to have it R&R).

If the replacement cracks again in 20 months, I have the original radiator/fan assembly (rodded out and cleaned) on standby.

RE: shroud: I can't find it, but there is a thread here where someone shows photos of how he created his own shroud to use Spal fans he sourced individually. This was mounted on the original OEM-type radiator (?).

He created his own molds, etc and it was pretty nice, but alot more work than I would tackle.

 

[sleekgt]

It was Tony Grasso who fabricated his own shroud, but apparently the photos never made it to his How To pages. :sad:

index

Hmm...I couldn't find the shroud stuff on his index (?).

Here's another option - I know you said your shroud needed work, but if felt the need for upgraded fans (FYI there are debates whether 'upgraded' fans are truly necessary) - here's a post on using Spal fans on the OEM shroud. I'm thinking of this if I convert back to OEM brass radiator:

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/aftermarket-g-car-cooling-fans-162385/#post2335273

 

[sleekgt]

I don't know about Tony G. but Jim Knowles fabricated a shroud using fiberglass. It came out pretty nice but he swears he'd not do it again. [snip]

Ah- Jim K - thanks for jogging my old brain cells.

I corresponded in PM about his shroud and it's on another website:

Radiator fans and shroud upgrade - Esprit 'Project & Restoration' Room - The Lotus Forums

 

[sleekgt]

GRRRRR!!! After participating in this thread, I decided to check my expansion tank (it was 16 oz LOW after about 1500 mile drive since Dec 27).

Brought the car to the mechanic - the replacement aluminum radiator is LEAKING again after only 7 months (!). Car now has 58K miles (28K/27 months on my watch).

Now the twist - the mechanic is suspecting a blown head gasket (pressurizing the coolant system with exhaust pressure. causing the leaks seen at the hose/pipe fitting).

I had a Blackstone analysis about 6 months ago - no coolant in oil (but high lead/copper PPM). But clearly the loss of coolant (no apparent drips except now on the radiator). He thinks it's possible to have head gasket leak that pressurizes the cooling system (?). It's sounds incredible to me - high pressure in the cooling system should blow a cap or hose, not crack aluminum? The first radiator definitely had cracks.

He will get test kit tomorrow to determine if exhaust gas in coolant.

Curious to see the outcome; maybe my first radiator leaked due to the same reason? :-(

 

[sleekgt]

Atwell is correct, the pressure relief cap should vent excess pressure above 15psi. If it's working correctly...

On the other hand the coolant loss could be due to a pressure cap that can't hold 15psi, and you may be loosing coolant out the expansion tank behind the rear wheel while driving...?

The cap was tested (for a different reason) about 3 month ago - it passed the 15PSI test, but we didn't specifically for EXCESS pressure. Mechanic will be checking for that today as well.

 

[sleekgt]

[snip]
Just a note here: After my first rad removal, I didn't get the top hose fully seated on its inlet. Coolant started leaking there three years later. That is why I pulled the rad a second time.

Lesson learned: Connect the big hoses BEFORE installing the radiator back into the car.[snip]

With the first radiator leak 27 month ago, I took pictures of the radiator after removal - it clearly was leaking from minute cracks in the aluminum; the hoses appeared to be correctly seated.

 

[sleekgt]

Now I'm glad I had my radiator recently re-cored... with copper!

The part that's killing me - the mechanic says the Elise/Exige all use aluminum aftermarket radiators *similar* to mine - without incident.

But what's not clear is if the MOUNTING method (rubber isolated - not possible with stock Esprit fiberglass tray) has something to do with it.

And since I'm one of the few running an aluminum radiator AND 1K miles/month of daily driving - I think my scenario is unknown territory for durability.

I'm going over to the shop right now to check out the status (lunchtime and only 3 miles from my work) :evil:

Just got back - test kit was ordered late in day so arriving tomorrow. The Elise uses similar radiator from same vendor without incident, so concentrating on eliminating head gasket-related cause.

If it turns out to be another radiator failure, that'll be a big disappointment.

You can rejoin this older sub-thread back here - apologies to the OP:

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/aftermarket-aluminum-esprit-radiator-leaking-after-20-months-150618/index4.html#post2780985

 

[sleekgt]

Are you still in need of a shroud? I recently replaced my radiator with an aluminum model that doesn't use the stock shroud. I think my old one was still in decent condition. Let me know if you're interested.

The OP has an 88 Esprit and your profile says you have a 2003 V8 Esprit - not sure the shroud is the same?

And you might want to read my earlier thread on using an aluminum radiator on an Esprit if you haven't already.

 

[sleekgt]

Apologies to the OP, but turns out my 2nd radiator after 7 months CONFIRMED to be leaking - not due to head gasket issue.

You can rejoin my original related radiator thread here:

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/aftermarket-aluminum-esprit-radiator-leaking-after-20-months-150618/index4.html#post2780985