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MG MGA - Moss Radiators quality issue

I fitted a new Moss radiator back in October last year, and have just had to replace it because it was leaking at the dimple in the front of the upper tank.

I fitted the replacement (under guarantee) on Friday, and discovered that the flange for the radiator cap fitting is misformed so that the cap does not fit correctly, and therefore does not seal (not a big problem as my car never overheats, but still a PITA aas I will have to take the SC off again etc in order to change the radiator, as otherwise ther's no room for even a baby hand to get into the rad bolts.

Talking the the dealer at a car show today, he says he can't get another one, as there seems to be a shortage, and the rumour is doing the rounds that there is a recurring quality prpblem on these radiators. He hears that they have been quietly discontinued. Can anyone help out with the status here ?

I have to weigh up waiting times for a new one against the cost and time of getting my original one recored etc. and as this is my only car, I'd like to get the information to make the right choice.
dominic clancy

Hi Dominic. As an alternative , you could perhaps have a new flange for the radiator cap soldered in. It might be possible to do so with the rad in the car, after coolant is drained enough. Yoou could also leave the Moss rad in place, get the original recored, install the old rad, and then send the new rad back to Moss. I know that Moss Motor's quality is sometimes not the best, and the aggravation this can cause is horrendous. Best of luck with the rad problem. Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

Dominic,
You state that the flange is misformed. Is it possible that during shipping the flange was bent? This happened with one I purchased, and I have to reshape the flange area. You may be able to reshape it with an exhaust pipe expander.
mike parker

It may be that your first leak at the dimple could be fixed with a small patch, if you still have that one. And I'm sure you could have another neck flange soldered on. But it doesn't exactly give you confidence in the lasting quality of the unit, does it? If you have radiator shops in your area, I'd stop by and run your problems by them.
Tom

If you still have you original unit, and overheating is no issue for you, then your best bet might be to have the original recored by a reputable shop. A recore (at least in the U.S.) is about equal in cost to a new unit.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

If you do go the recore route... request they build in off set rows - this will give you a much more effective radiator.

good luck. s
skip

A few years ago I bought a "new" radiator from Moss (UK). I can't remember the price but it seemed good value and at the time I was told it would be cheaper than recoring the old one. On delivery I noticed it was made in China and had come via Moss (USA). It was well made, an exact replica of my old one and in perfect condition thanks to the excellent packaging. Its still going strong and I have no overheating. A case of good Chinese quality - not always the case.
David
David M

dominic:

There is no problem this end with supply. Perhaps Moss UK is out of stock and waiting shipment from the U.S.

The dimple is a common failure location, as the solder gets stressed and cracks. Sorry this happened to the first Moss radiator you had.

Mike is likely correct, new radiators are soft until they work harden through temperature change. They are very susceptible to shipping damage. In some cases I've been able to re-form a damaged neck by hand. After a few cycles the material hardens and acts more like the brittle tanks we are used to on the original radiators.

So far the radiators have been working reliably and after a poor start (the very first units were designed to be accurate reproductions of the originals and did not cool adequately) have had a good track record.

Kelvin.
KJ Dodd

Ron Davis Radiators. aluminum and great quality. He will even set the radiator up for an electric fan. Worth the money. aluminum radiators are more affordable, and can reduce the problems with English cars running hot. He is on the web.
ASH Andrew

sorry. Aluminum radiators are more affordable then they use to be. not cheap, but a good investment.
ASH Andrew

I believe that the only problem with aluminium radiators is that they can't be simply repaired as can copper radiators.

I've just fitted an aluminium radiator to my XK150 DHC, so we shall see.
Nigel Steward

I have a Moss radiator in my A with a MKII grill. I have two original radiator which I intend to have the better one recored. The Moss radiator is ½” thinner that the original; the car does not overheat but I still feel it is running a little hotter than I think it should 190’
David Werblow

I have an original radiator. Should I have it tested, or can I test it myself before installing (if I ever get that far...)

JIM in NH
AJ Mail

AJ, of course you should have your radiator tested and repaired if need be. Before you install it and have to take it back out. Ask around your area for the best guy to do it.
Tom

This thread was discussed between 27/08/2006 and 07/09/2006

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