Radiator Replacement.

[Panda69]

Hi

Just had my 2014 SS-V Redline serviced, and asked my mechanic to check out a coolant smell that I’ve been noticing for a little while (and using a few hundred mls of coolant).

They pressure tested it and, Well, it would appear that my radiator is shot and needs replacing.

Is it worth going OEM (Holden at South Nowra has quoted me $624 for an OEM radiator) or are there other decent quality brands out there?

Also, is it worth doing anything else like thermostat, water pump and/or hoses while the mechanic is in there?

Regards,
Michael.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Hi

Just had my 2014 SS-V Redline serviced, and asked my mechanic to check out a coolant smell that I’ve been noticing for a little while (and using a few hundred mls of coolant).

They pressure tested it and, Well, it would appear that my radiator is shot and needs replacing.

Is it worth going OEM (Holden at South Nowra has quoted me $624 for an OEM radiator) or are there other decent quality brands out there?

Also, is it worth doing anything else like thermostat, water pump and/or hoses while the mechanic is in there?

Regards,
Michael.

Best to go with OEM. I did the same earlier this year. I also replaced all rubber hoses. On your car they are obviously almost 10 years old. They are not expensive anyway.

 

[Panda69]

Best to go with OEM. I did the same earlier this year. I also replaced all rubber hoses. On your car they are obviously almost 10 years old. They are not expensive anyway.

Thanks for your reply, very much appreciated.

Is gates an ok brand for replacement hoses?

Also, is it worthwhile doing thermostat?

 

[panhead]

Thanks for your reply, very much appreciated.

Is gates an ok brand for replacement hoses?

Also, is it worthwhile doing thermostat?

I'm a Gates fan, but I'm easily pleased.







.

 

[daves8]

I replaced mine a few months ago.

I decided to go OEM, replaced water pump and all hoses with OEM at same time.

Given that it’s 8 years old I figured I’d rather have hassle free motoring and know the cooling system is sorted

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Thanks for your reply, very much appreciated.

Is gates an ok brand for replacement hoses?

Also, is it worthwhile doing thermostat?

I did not not bother with thermostat. Gates is good

 

[lordsnipe]

I did not bother with OEM as I figured the problem would just happen again (seems to be a common issue), so just went with an eBay radiator. No issues so far.

If it happens again with the eBay cheapie, it was only half the price of the OEM radiator.

 

[krusing]

Not VF related,
but
I have a 2012 VE Series 2 Calais,
And I believe the VE S2 are also the same as VF's.

I had the very same situation a few years ago where I could smell glycol,
Found that the Radiator was leaking on the bottom, on the back from the cores (hidden by the fan shroud)
I found an aftermarket seller on eBay and purchased one, they also listed it as a VE S2 & VF, has been ok since.
But make sure you do also use Red Coolant to replace what you have lost.

 

[krusing]

Is gates an ok brand for replacement hoses?

Gates was the OEM Supplier, and they [Holden] just re-printed / re-labeled them with their Part #'s.

IMHO, they are the best, and always fit correctly.
I always use Gates Hoses on all our cars, never had a problem.

 

[dassaur]

Gates was the OEM Supplier, and they [Holden] just re-printed / re-labeled them with their Part #'s.

IMHO, they are the best, and always fit correctly.
I always use Gates Hoses on all our cars, never had a problem with Gates.

Dont think so. Mackay is definitely OEM for many VF hoses (not sure about all of them).

That being said, I would buy whichever of Mackay/Gates is the cheapest.