Me and My Radiator..

[Billy Blaze]

That's a great idea! thanks POS.
I will for sure check that out, instead of the bolt idea.

I was curious if that might have been the case Majik.

Kewl, so it looks like I will be able to use this thing after all so long as I didnt mess up the threads...but I am pretty sure I am ok there.

So I will post how it goes tomorrow after I get it all back together.

Thanks again guys I really do appreciate it. :)

[Billy Blaze]

OK, went to O'Rileys, Autozone, and Pep Boys none have a petcock or even a regular bolt,...so I went to Ace Hardware and they dont even have a correct bolt.

So I have now bought an oversized bolt (just barely), 3 washers..since the bolt is too long and some Plumbers Tape.
I am going to attempt to rig it to work, if that dont work its a new Radiator and the car will likely be parked for 2-3 months til I can save the money for one.

Thanks for the help guys, its been my experience that most parts stores dont carry Miata products though....why is that?

I will let you guys know how it turned out, wish me luck.

[POS Racing]

Billy why don’t you take the radiator to a "radiator shop" they specialize in (you'll never guess) radiators!

[sammm]

they specialize in (you'll never guess) radiators!

what are the odds?!?!?!

[Sharpie]

Billy why don’t you take the radiator to a "radiator shop" they specialize in (you'll never guess) radiators!

Man you can be very rude to the Billy Blaze. I really don't get it.

[POS Racing]

Man you can be very rude to the Billy Blaze. I really don't get it.

Dang what's your issue?

Before you came up with your observation did you bother to read any of my prior posts on this subject? I have been attempting to help with suggestions, pictures, and links on how to fix this problem, and yes I do use a touch of smart ash in my posts but I don't reserve this just for Billy.

I’m sure if Billy has an issue with me I’ll be the first to know!

[riverracer]

Billy if your not happy with the bolt idea perhaps the Radiator Shop is your best bet. Call them first see what they say. You might try a nut on the bolt instead of the washers and just snug it up so it won't vibrate out. Let us know how it's going.
As for POS being rude I disagree. Everyone that has posted on this thread did it because they wanted to help Billy with this problem. We're all here for the same reason. We have a passion for these little cars. Jerry

[Billy Blaze]

LOL, your right POS.

Sharpie, this has been an ongoing thing with me and POS since I was told about this forum...at first I took him seriously but as time has gone on it's been my observation that POS gets a kick outta...well being the way he is.
I don't take it seriously anymore, besides the information here is worth a few sucker punches here and there.
I do appreciate your concern, its very nice to see someone come to my deffense...and I would do the same for you...thanks.

I am going to put everything back together tomorrow and just use the car for nearby errands, I wasn't able to get any satisfaction from a Radiator shop either...at least none that I tried, and frankly I am worn out with it.

I am going to slap that metal bolt in there with a butt load of Plumbers tape and 3 washers and hope it stays together long enough for me to save $500. for the PWR double core aluminum Radiator, I won't be making any long hauls til I can get the new Radiator in it.

I will let you guys know if the bolt and washer method holds.
If nothing else this did give me the chance to paint my Radiator brackets Road Cone Orange...LOL.

[Billy Blaze]

Well I re-installed the Radiator into the car, (the reason for taking it out was to remove the plastic bolt and try to find another that fit), after putting it back in and wrapping the new bolt with plumbers tape I began to tighten the bolt....it spun and spun.
Oh well....the car is parked til I can buy a new Radiator, otherwise I will have run out enough gas to buy one looking for a freaking bolt that may or may not fit.
At any rate I am fed up with it enough to sacrifice the joy I get from driving the car and the economic advantages of driving it til I can get the new Radiator.

Thanks again for the ideas guys, I will post when I get the new unit installed.
It will likely be a month or two.

[Dave04]

At any rate I am fed up with it enough to sacrifice the joy I get from driving the car and the economic advantages of driving it til I can get the new Radiator.

Don't suppose you saw this? Being as it's been on the classifieds for a while, I'm betting the price is just right... Anyone know if Miatamoto sold this or not?

I've got two things for sale:

1. Used all metal replacement radiator (no plastic tanks to crack). I'm not sure how old it is, I bought it from Alara racing in Houston before I realized I couldn't use it in E stock. They said that it had no leaks and was in good condition. It looks to be in good condition. Make me an offer.

LINKIE

[channelmaniac]

Billy,

Check the link I posted in the classifieds section for the 1999 LSD...

The guy also had a used radiator for $50.

RJ

[altiain]

Billy,

You might also want to hit Mad Merv up for contact info on some of the local Spec Miata builders - the Spec guys don't use the stock radiator, so they're likely to just toss it or sell it cheap.

I don't know about the 1.6L radiators, but I'll bet the 1.8L radiators will just bolt right up. Maybe one of the '99+ guys who has replaced theirs can chime in (it's one of the few parts on my car that is still OEM ).

[Billy Blaze]

Right On, I am gonna go check that out right now, again Thanks!

BTW, just in case have you guys done any business with MorePowerRacing.com?

Thay have the best deal I have found on the PWR so far, I was just curious if you guys know anything about their business practices, and shipping etc.

[POS Racing]

Right On, I am gonna go check that out right now, again Thanks!

BTW, just in case have you guys done any business with MorePowerRacing.com?

Thay have the best deal I have found on the PWR so far, I was just curious if you guys know anything about their business practices, and shipping etc.

Why don't you try Trackdog Racing? He can get the PWR Radiator and he is local. I know and trust his buisness practices!

[Majik]

No, NA and NB radiators mount differently. Billy you are more than welcome to my used stock one. Like I said, it has the bolt. All it would need is a little TLC where a cooling tube rubbed on the ac condensor mounting bracket. I think there are pictures up in an old thread of mine.

[Billy Blaze]

Thanks Majik, I think I have a solution to my problem though.
I got a loan to get my new Radiator, I have a letter into Track Dog as we speak.
The place I mentioned above has it for $420.90 that includes shipping FREE and no Tax's, so I am waiting to see what happens.
If Track Dog can match the price I will go with them, if not I will research this company to see if they have a good Customer Service and Shipping Reputation.
I am sooo glad I am going to be able to get this Radiator in the car and then I will have one less thing to stress about.
It should last the life of the car, I also plan on getting a grill for the Air Dam to keep debris away from my expensive new Radiator.

So when I get mine in, if someone needs a Radiator just come get this one if you can find a bolt...its FREE, and has no leaks.

Thanks guys.

[Majik]

Thanks Majik, I think I have a solution to my problem though.
I got a loan to get my new Radiator, I have a letter into Track Dog as we speak.
The place I mentioned above has it for $420.90 that includes shipping FREE and no Tax's, so I am waiting to see what happens.
If Track Dog can match the price I will go with them, if not I will research this company to see if they have a good Customer Service and Shipping Reputation.
I am sooo glad I am going to be able to get this Radiator in the car and then I will have one less thing to stress about.
It should last the life of the car, I also plan on getting a grill for the Air Dam to keep debris away from my expensive new Radiator.

So when I get mine in, if someone needs a Radiator just come get this one if you can find a bolt...its FREE, and has no leaks.

Thanks guys.

Cool, Just remember to use distilled water in the new shiney radiator. Keep it from gunking up. A grill is a good idea.

[Billy Blaze]

I was just talking to the wife about a grill yesterday...she said we couldn't aford Dental Care...lol
I need to get one after spending that much on a Radiator.
Gary has come through and saved the day!
I will be going to pick up the new Radiator either Thursday or Friday.
Gary's got them in stock.
I am going to use 50/50 coolant premixed anti-freeze, I'm pretty sure they use Distilled water...but I will read the label just in case.
Thanks
I will post new pics, of my Radiator and Orange Brackets, you guys will love them.
Just ignore the Duct tape on the Cold Air Intake.:)

[riverracer]

Billy...I'm just curious...What kind of Horsepower gain can I get from a $400 radiator?
Jerry

[Sharpie]

50/50 mix is too much antifreeze. I run 30/70 in my car. My buddy was just using 50/50 and was having overheating issues. I have run into this problem too many times. Your car will get hot in traffic if you run 50/50, may not happen right away, but it will happen. Dilute the premix.