Yea got a report from the mechanic today mine is leaking so looks like I'm up for some cash... Bugger.
I will be seeing my mate Bruce tomorrow. He owns Nambour Radiator Works. I will see what price he can get Polo GTI radiators for. I will also ask him what price he would want to make up one based on a few orders.
He makes radiators for custom builds all the time. He runs a Torana XU1 in group N and supplies radiators for most of his competitors.
For example one time I was there he was making a radiator for guy with a Morris Minor 1000 that he had just put a P76 V8 engine into!
At one time he was the only guy in Australia who could build radiators that would keep Galant VR4 rally cars from overheating. So he knows his stuff.
2001 Bora 4 Motion Sport now used by number two son
2011 Skoda Octavia Scout now with Underground Performance tune
2010 Jetta 125 tdi dsg for the misses - Impressed
2006 Polo GTI - Enhanced by some of Gav's magic - Absolutely loving it
I spoke to Bruce last Saturday and basically he agrees with Mikepologti. To do an aluminium replacement would be expensive. Normally he builds them for people who need extra cooling like when a much bigger engine is put into a vehicle ie V8 into old Landcruiser.
The standard Polo GTI radiator cools efficiently but there are problems with them as noted here. He couldn't give me a price for an aftermarket replacement last Saturday as his supplier was closed. I will get on to him again and follow up a price.
He did say that there are 2 types of radiators. I will get more details about the differences. He looked at the radiator in my Polo and said that it has the good type. The bad type is the one where you can basically see the rubber around the holes where the tubes join the tanks. They are the ones that generally leak at that point. Sorry to be so vague but as I said I will get more details and get back to you.
2001 Bora 4 Motion Sport now used by number two son
2011 Skoda Octavia Scout now with Underground Performance tune
2010 Jetta 125 tdi dsg for the misses - Impressed
2006 Polo GTI - Enhanced by some of Gav's magic - Absolutely loving it
Diggin up an oldish thread.
Has anyone had their radiator replaced AFTER warranty. Obviously this is a known issue with most of the POLO GTIs and maybe POLOs in general?
If we all write to VW Australia surely something can be done, like a product recall of sorts?
Radiators should last longer then 3 years, my 2006 gti has done 54,000kms and is leaking.
Ive fitted 3 that i know of after warranty, dont fancy your chances with VW sorry to say.
Cheers
Jmac
Alba European
Service, Diagnostics and repairs. Mobile Diag available on request
Audi/VW/Porsche Factory trained tech 25+ yrs exp
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