Good radiator shop in Chch?or someone with knowledge?

[cruiserjake]

I had my radiator shit itself in my 80 series about 4-5 months ago, the core was well gone. Replaced it with a basically brand new 2nd hand one, new top tank and core looks brand new. Comes with 6 month warranty and since iv installed it its taken 4-5 months to completely empty, it wasnt taking fluid from the overflow therefore i think there has to be a leak somewhere?iv looked almost everywhere i think, top and bottom hoses, core, bung plug, was for an auto so the cooler outlets are just hooked together to circulate, water pump looks fine etc. The oil doesnt look milky at all so i dont think its going there and there is always pressure built up when i take the cap off the top even when its cold. I cant seem to find a leak anywhere. anyone had a similar problem?
If i take it to a radiator shop i guess they will pressure test it and that will confirm a leak somewhere then we still have to find it?
Im in hornby so could try the radiator shop here?

[nzlux]

I know its a basic concept but have you checked / replaced the radiator cap?

[cruiserjake]

I wont lie to make myself not sound dumb but no i haven't, ha, it was a new cap when i got the radiator though so would have thought it should be fine. If the cap wasnt fine would water evaporate to the extent of a litre a month when i normally only use it on w-ends?

[tomsoffroad]

Our KZ Surf had a bung cap. It pushed water into the over flow and in turn over flowed that, losing water. New cap, haven't put a drop in it in the last 10000km.

[pressy]

where in chch are you? has i have a coolant pressure kit here.

[cruiserjake]

Im in Hornby pressy but can still drive it as i topped it up and its not a fast leak, Where abouts are you?
It doesnt seem to be changing the level in the overflow bottle either nor do i see evidence of overflowing or leaking anywhere.
Am hoping its not disappearing inside the engine somewhere

[shortylux]

Am hoping its not disappearing inside the engine somewhere

Have you checked your oil? No water on the dip stick?

[cruiserjake]

yep have checked the dipstick and it looks as it should, cant see any signs of water

[mylux]

Shoot round and see Greg at Hornby radiators (Smarts Rd).
Good service and prices

[SMOKEY]

Check heater core's front and back (if it's got a rear heater ), have a feel around the carpet area for dampness, could be heater tap or hoses . Pressure test will show up and confirm.

FITZY.

[mudlva]

Imho
If its pressurising then my moneys on head gasket. Pull the glow plugs and inspect the colour the faulty cylinder will have a clean shiny plug the rest will be soot black

[pressy]

Shoot round and see Greg at Hornby radiators (Smarts Rd).
Good service and prices

x2 or i am out in rangiora. if you are out and about?

[cruiserjake]

Rangiora is abit of a mish for me but thanks anyway, il give Greg a ring tomorrow and take it to him and see what he thinks, If its the head gasket like u mentioned mudlva which im hoping it isnt but if it is then Ricks auto centre or Summit 4wd seem like the places to go? Anyone had a head gasket on a 1hd-t done so i have an idea on price?

Cheers for everyones help so far.

[cruiserjake]

Went and saw Hornby radiators and seems to be a head gasket, off to Ricks auto centre i guess

[mudlva]

another 2c towards my million
just need another $999,999.98 to go now

yep seen a few radiators that were pressurising and unfortunately i think they all involved the removal of the head/heads

sorry about being the suggester of bad news, but its better than throwing good money after bad and still having the problem not fixed

[cruiserjake]

U will be a rich man soon picking them like that. Na no worries thanks for the suggestion, as much as i wanted it to be a cooling/radiator issue i kinda had in the back of my head that im going to be very poor in not too long. Would have been better happening at the start of my holiday when i had money. haha

[mudlva]

yep know what you mean

good luck on the repair