During the major engine overhaul of my 951, a radiator leak seems to have presented itself. Seems to be in the plastic area. It appears to be the OE radiator, evidence shows it was in car in 07, anyway.

this being a bit unexpected, I’d rather not drop $600 on a new OEM radiator. I plan to take it to a local shop to double check that it is in fact leaking.

so, do these radiators have a general time-based lifespan? If it is leaking and repairable, is this generally advisable?

also, I’ve been poking around, looking at the Chinese-made options, though the specs don’t seem to be exact. Such as from CHR Racing.

any guidance on whether to replace/ repair? And if replace, recommended options?

 

About 6 years ago, I had a similar issue with my OEM radiator in my 951 too... I was unable to determine a sustainable solution, so had to bite the bullet and buy a new OEM rad, though they were only ~$400 then.
I, too, was looking at the aluminum units, but read they were of poor construction and did not fit well.
Since, I have seen the Wizard radiators, which seem to be work well, but are also pricey @ $600.
https://wizardcooling.com/1986-91-po...5-porsche-968/


As I continue to add more HP, I will be following this thread to see if there are any better solutions.

 

I would lean hard toward all aluminum from anything with plastic, so for the same price, the Wizard unit would get my vote. Assuming fit is as it should be. That seems to be the main issue with the China units. But $600?!? Damn.

 

I have the Wizard unit. Great workmanship. It _is_ thicker than stock and causes a tight fit between the cooling fan plugs and accessory belts... but it fits. I remember reading an article by the person who worked with Wizard on the dimensions... it’s deliberately larger for extra capacity.

I would not hesitate to recommend it.

 

I purchased a used Wizard radiator with the integrated oil cooler on the bottom from a fellow lister. As mentioned, thicker than OEM but fitment was perfect. Did not have to struggle to make anything fit or bolt on. I don't have an oil temp gauge but considering the size and location I imagine it does a much better job of cooling the oil than the smaller OEM oil cooler.

 

Ordered a new Wizard radiator this afternoon. Hopefully it arrives this week. Would really love to get this car on the road for cars and coffee this weekend. Fingers crossed.

thanks for guidance!

 

Just saw this... for future readers, if the leak is at the plastic tanks (where they meet the radiator), you can, as a temporary measure, gently squeeze the clips that hold the tanks on. There's a seal in there (I could not find replacement) that will compress just enough to fix the leak.

My temporary fix is going on two years now

 

Good to know! Would have preferred to know that a couple days ago, but whatcha gonna do.

At the same time, the leaks are hard and time consuming to chase down. As much as I’d like to save the $$ on this, after a full engine rebuild, I’m tired of chasing issues, and don’t want the headache of future leaks so I don’t regret the radiator purchase.

for the benefit of those future readers… What type of pressure are we talking about on the tabs? Like pressing with your fingers, or squeezing with pliers?

 

I used pliers, gently, so as not to break the tabs but squeeze enough to tighten the seal. Pure guessing, really. Sorry I can't be more specific. It's similar to the extra 1/4 turn you make with the wrench or tightening the oil filter by hand... just a bit till it feels right lol

It is holding for now... but, it could start leaking any time.

I will eventually have to take the car off the road, remove the rad, organize the purchase of a new one, wait for it to arrive, & install--all probably during a bout of very bad weather. You did the right thing buying new, of course.

 

Cool. Well, Wizard is telling me 4-6 week lead time right now, so if I get all the rest buttoned up before it ships, I may end up trying to get the old one to seal back up and reinstall in the meantime.

 

I remember testing mine in the bathtub after bending the tabs... I forget exactly how I did it but I recall involving an old bicycle tire tube & hand pump.. I probably cut the tube, clamping it on both open radiator ends and put about 10-15psi to check for leaks. Something like that

 

makes sense. Thank u!

 

Ouch. Long wait on the Wizard. Like lots of things these days, I suppose. Don’t think I waited that long two(ish) years ago.

I think you’ll rest easier with it in there than wondering how long a fix will hold. It’s a nice unit. Again... it’s a snug fit... but it does fit. The extra thickness puts the cooling fan plugs pretty close to the accessory belts.

And the drainage port on the bottom is a heck of a lot more convenient than the plug on the original unit.

 

Might this do in the interim... Aluminum RADIATOR For PORSCHE 944 2.5L TURBO 1986-1991 / S2 3.0 NA 1989-1991 MT

 

Just watched CSI with my daughter… so this makes me think of something a serial killer might do(?). Or maybe some kid of weird 951 organ support system?





found and seem to have fixed the leak, in any case. A couple firm squeezes with the channel locks, and the leaking seems to have stopped. It was the seam with the plastic and metal rear of radiator behind the switch plug.