Gentlemen, I have put 2 new factory radiators on my 2005 jcw r53 in the last year. One month ago I put the second one on and it is leaking exactly where the other one was, looking at the front of the car, 3 inches down about 5 inches long, anti freeze is setting on the coils, very minor leak, car is not heating, but anti freeze level is dropping slowly. Sitting in garage I may see a quarter size drip on floor. Anyone seen this issue, radiator is under warranty if I want to pay mini to install, which is twice what a new radiator cost. THOUGHTS I am thinking about going to Mishimoto.

 

I am on my third Mishimoto radiator. Think about it.

 

This can happen, as competition in manufacturing radiators, is fierce and they just aren't made very good these days. Get another!

 

As somebody that needs a new radiator too, I'd like to hear what people have used. Was thinking about the CSF or possibly a nissens or behr.

 

The factory radiator seems to hold up well for a few years. I hate the plastic tanks on them, but the truth for me, is it works! I bought a fairly expensive all aluminum radiator and it only lasted me one year.

 

I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. I'm about to do cooling system surgery on my daughter's '05 R53 and was wondering if I should splurge on the Mishimoto. Sounds like there's not much point, so I'll stick with an OEM-like alternative from O'Reilly - it has a lifetime warranty, although the process of replacing it is pretty painful, so I just hope the new one doesn't leak. Her cooling fan is making a heinous noise and there is coolant leaking from a few spots, so I'm going all out while I'm in there, and am replacing the reservoir, thermostat and housing, radiator, cooling fan, and all the hoses. The silicon replacement hoses are the most expensive part of the whole thing....

Ian

 

Hi Ian,
You will most likely need to replace the low speed fan resistor, that in within the radiator shroud. They are forever going out.

The fan speed controller lower left

 

Thanks. I assume a new fan assembly will include the controller and resistor, or is that bad assumption?

 

It is a bad assumption! It is not part of the fan assembly

 

Well crap. Where can I get the resistor from?

Ian

 

Amazon, Car Quest Auto Parts, World Auto Parts, E bay (I steer away from them)

Amazon:

 

Thanks, I ordered one and will be replacing that as well...while I'm in there I may as well.

Anything else I should do from a preventative perspective while I have the front end off?

Ian

 

If you have bumper cover fog lights, it will be easy with the bumper cover off. If they are damaged, Amazon have after market and oem replacements.
You also want to look at the Vibration dampener on the front of the crank, as age makes them go bad also. ECS Tuning has a good one, if you need one. (others to, including Amazon)
You should also check the belt tensioner bearings, they should not wobble at all.

 

Original poster and someone else said they're on their third radiator... My r53 making 230hp currently is running lots of OEM parts bought through FCPEuro, 4 throttle bodies, 2 Mishimotos, 2 Waterpumps, etc. all replacements following the initial were free.. just a thought for those sick of paying for the same crap over and over. Caveat: I do all the work myself so I don't have to pay for labor.