Re: Spider radiator problems

[Scott Fisher <sfisher71@domain.elided>]

--- Ed Lutz <edlutz@domain.elided> wrote:
>
> Anyone know anything about any options I have?

Well, if you ever had any ideas on replacing the
engine-driven fan with an electric one, now's the time
-- do it while the radiator is out, it's SO much
easier, whether you do it the easy way (nylon tabs
through the core) or the right way (braze straps to
the sides of the radiator and mount the fan on them).

You might search the Yellow Pages for a good
old-fashioned radiator repair shop near you and see if
they can replace the core, retaining your header tank
(unless of course it's what has ruptured) and mounting
tabs in the stock locations.  If you've ever had
cooling system "issues," you can usually upgrade to
additional rows of tubes at the same time.  Note that
this specialty shop may be harder to find, as modern
cars move to an increased use of plastic in header
tanks and fittings on radiators.

And finally: check your cooling system hoses now, as
it's relatively easy to get to them with the radiator
removed.  If there's any deterioration in them,
replace them with new hoses.  It has been suggested to
me by an Alfa mechanic that the 2L's tendency to
dribble a little oil into the cooling system can
weaken the hoses internally -- and while I know you
say you've got a 1750 in this car, it's a good
admonition for others with older 2Ls who might be
reading.  

Best,

--Scott Fisher
  Tualatin, Oregon
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
http://sports.yahoo.com

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