What is a radiator recore?
A radiator recore (or rebuild) is the process of removing the tanks that are soldered to your radiator core and resoldering them onto a new core. The old core is then discarded (recycled for scrap metal) and the new assembly is placed inside your vehicle.
Radiator recoring often takes place when:
- the radiator core is partially blocked by rust and other contaminants, restricting engine coolant flow
- the radiator core fins have disintegrated over time reducing their effectiveness
- the radiator core has sustained serious damage such as an impact from road debris.
- the radiator core is leaking
A small radiator core leak may not need a radiator recore / replacement and may be able to be soldered up. However, several leaks in the radiator core may mean that the whole core may need to be replaced.
More info on radiator recores >
Sometimes, a full recore or replacement won’t be the solution to a faulty radiator. Often, a simple radiator flush or leak repair can fix your car’s overheating problems.
Recore vs New Radiator
Most non-OEM radiators will weigh less and be shaped differently to your vehicle’s original radiator. This can cause difficulty when installing the radiator. It can also cause problems over time as the radiator was not made specifically for your car.
The benefit of a radiator recore is that it will perfectly fit your vehicle every time. This is because the recored radiator uses the surrounding/housing from your original radiator. The only difference is the new core.
If you plan to keep your vehicle for the long term, then you might be better to get a new OEM radiator (if available for a reasonable price and time frame) rather than a radiator recore.
Symptoms of a radiator in need of recore/replacement:
Overheating – Your vehicle’s temperature gauge may show higher heat levels than normal. This can be due to a leak or clogged component in your radiator/cooling system.
Visible coolant leaks – You may notice puddles of coolant appearing under your radiator. These are caused by a leak in your cooling system.
Low coolant level – Let the car cool down and examine your coolant levels. Take note as to whether they are lower than they should be.
Rusty Water and Sediment – If your radiator overflow tank or top radiator tank (when you remove the radiator cap) is fully rusty orange / brown looking water, with rust crystals / sediment around the top tank radiator tubes, then you either need a very good radiator flush, or a radiator recore. Which one you need will depend on the servility of the radiator rust / sediment blockages.
Radiator Recore and Replacement in Hamilton
Are you unsure if your radiator needs a flush, recore or replacement? At Grimmer Motors, our trust worthy, qualified and experienced mechanics will do the research for you, giving you quality advice on what’s best for your vehicle.
Then our skilled mechanics can perform a flush, recore or replacement of your radiator, allowing your vehicle to run smoothly without overheating.
For high quality, quick and efficient radiator flushes, recores and replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.