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Radiator Sensor Switch Leak


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#1 Elwyn

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Posted 16 November 2020 - 12:12 PM

Hello

 

93 L reg SPI Cooper

 

I've recently replaced my radiator (and many other things)

 

I fitted a pretty standard new radiator with the bayonet style fixing at the bottom / front for the sensor

 

I poured some water into the radiator to check for leaks (and I was about to use a litre of Thermocure)

 

It leaked

 

From the bayonet style front / bottom sensor thing

 

Anyone experienced the same?

 

Any tips for making it watertight?

 

I know Mini Spares offer an alternative radiator with a screw in sensor

And I wish I'd stumped up the extra c£90

But here I am

 

Thanks in advance

 

Elwyn

 

 



#2 MatthewsDad

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Posted 16 November 2020 - 05:43 PM

Two things to check, they are obvious but sometimes it's the simple things and all that...
One is to make sure the sensor is pushed fully home into the hole, perhaps use a little water based lube or similar. Second, I **think** the plastic clip that fits into the bayonet slot is 'handed' in that one way round will hold the sensor in more tightly than the other.

#3 Elwyn

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Posted 16 November 2020 - 08:29 PM

Thanks

I've been looking at the clip.

It's moulded to look like it should go a particular way, but if I refit it the other way (the way that looks wrong), it would push the sensor slightly further and tighter into the radiator hole

I'll try that tomorrow, but the bayonet was VERY tight the way I had it (when it leaked)

I do very much wish I'd gone for the screw fit

Thanks again



#4 MatthewsDad

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Posted 16 November 2020 - 10:41 PM

The plastic retaining clip is slightly curved. If you nudge the sensor in a little further - just 1 or 2 mm - and insert the convex side of the clip towards the sensor, it might work.

#5 Elwyn

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Posted 17 November 2020 - 07:20 AM

Thanks again

That's what I've been pondering

Concave towards the sensor looks right

As if the clip was made to be used that way

But convex towards the sensor will push further and hold firmer

Ruddy stupid design if you ask me

If it was just solid and worked either way, how much easier would that be?



#6 humph

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Posted 17 November 2020 - 09:16 AM

I had the same, but can't remember what sorted it, seem to recall taking it all apart and trying again. I think the face you can see in the in link below faces the sensor.

 

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

My car is stored elsewhere so can't check mine at the moment.



#7 Elwyn

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Posted 17 November 2020 - 09:40 AM

Thanks

That's what I'll be trying later this morning



#8 Elwyn

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Posted 22 November 2020 - 05:33 PM

I tried the retaining clip the other way round

Sensor and seal pushed further and tighter into the radiator

It still leaks

Not quite as much as the first time, but still a very obvious, running water leak

Not a dripping leak

Any ideas?

With ordering a new seal and clip in case I've been unfortunate and ended up with dud parts?



#9 Elwyn

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Posted 22 November 2020 - 10:18 PM

I had the same, but can't remember what sorted it, seem to recall taking it all apart and trying again. I think the face you can see in the in link below faces the sensor.

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

My car is stored elsewhere so can't check mine at the moment.



#10 Elwyn

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Posted 22 November 2020 - 10:19 PM

I tried the retaining clip the other way round
Sensor and seal pushed further and tighter into the radiator
It still leaks
Not quite as much as the first time, but still a very obvious, running water leak
Not a dripping leak
Any ideas?
Worth ordering a new seal and clip in case I've been unfortunate and ended up with dud parts?

#11 MatthewsDad

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Posted 23 November 2020 - 07:46 AM

Sorry to hear you're still having problems. I'd put a call in to whoever you bought the radiator and sensor from, assuming they are from the same supplier, and let them know about the hassle you're having. Might be that they've already had returns of the sensor or radiator if there's been a dud batch.

#12 Elwyn

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Posted 23 November 2020 - 10:56 AM

Sorry to hear you're still having problems. I'd put a call in to whoever you bought the radiator and sensor from, assuming they are from the same supplier, and let them know about the hassle you're having. Might be that they've already had returns of the sensor or radiator if there's been a dud batch.



#13 Elwyn

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Posted 23 November 2020 - 10:59 AM

I’ve contacted them by email
All from the same place
The first contact was when I first posted my problem here
They replied to confirm that all the parts were correct and compatible
They’ve yet to reply to my second enquiry but it’s only been a day or two so I’m remaining hopeful
I still wish I’d gone for the screw-in sensor radiator from Mini Spares
Hindsight is a b@gger!

#14 xrocketengineer

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Posted 23 November 2020 - 04:54 PM

I would remove the sensor and seal for inspection. Look carefully for cuts or crack all around the seal with a a magnifying glass if possible. On the sensor body, look for any burrs, roughness or unevenness.     



#15 Elwyn

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Posted 23 November 2020 - 05:57 PM

I would remove the sensor and seal for inspection. Look carefully for cuts or crack all around the seal with a a magnifying glass if possible. On the sensor body, look for any burrs, roughness or unevenness.     

 

Thanks, but it all looks great. Smooth, flawless. 






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