Miata Mailing List: February 1999, Message #412

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In a message dated 2/2/99 9:52:38 AM Eastern Standard Time, gharris@uwf.edu
writes:

> Well, problem is...yesterday I was checking the oil and noticed a small wet
>  spot on the top of my radiator...directly forward of where the upper hose
>  connects.  Turns out it's a small crack in the radiator.  So, guess I'll
>  have to replace the radiator.  As usual the cost from a Mazda dealership is
>  outrageous....over $300!  My question:  Does anyone know of any other
source
>  where I might get the radiator at a better price?  Roebuck Mazda has given
>  me the best price so far....with the club discount.  But it's still a bit
>  high at around $300 plus shipping.  I wouldn't mind a good used one...if I
>  could be reasonably sure it's in good shape.  Any info that you folks can
>  provide, new or used, will be most appreciated!  I'm not on the list so
>  please email me directly: GHARRIS@UWF.EDU.
>  
>  Also, any tips on the installation/replacement would be appreciated.  I
have
>  the manual so don't think I'll have a problem...but you never know.
>  
>  Hey, thanks in advance and you folks have a great day!
>  
>  Gus

  Dang it, I keep thinking there should be a good way to patch plastic
radiator tanks!  I've never tried epoxy in this situation, but it may be worth
a shot.  If that fails, I'd go with a boneyard piece.  Miata radiators are
fairly robust, and a repeat of the cracking is unlikely.  Installation
couldn't be simpler  -- two bolts, two hose clamps, two wiring connectors,
some rather tedious fishing about among the ducting -- that's it!
  By the way, the last time I had Rocinante's radiator out I put it back with
the top tilted 1/2" toward the rear.  I postulated that this would allow more
cold air to spill over the radiator to the intake, and every tiny shift of the
cg rearward helps.  This was achieved by replacing the original rubber
vibration dampers on the mounting bolts with thicker ones from the stock air
filter housing, along with longer bolts.  This may not work with a Jackson
CAI, as the space between the radiator and repositioned airflow meter is a bit
tight.
  I've seen several comments about inadequate cooling on even mildly modified
Miatas.  My experience is just the opposite.  Years ago I had a 150 mile daily
commute that included pushing the rev limiter maybe a dozen times, 100+ mph
for a 10 mile stretch, a brief breather for a blind curve, and full speed for
another 7 miles.  This was in steamy North Carolina and the water temp and oil
pressure didn't change a whit from beginning to end.  I concluded from this
that the cooling system was a wee bit overdone.  Granted, Ol' Roc has no A/C
or crap cluttering her snoz.  She's still happily winding way up there with
201,000 miles on the original radiator, water pump, and hoses.

Foureagles