22-08-13, 06:29 PM
My original radiator lasted five years until a SMIDSY incident. I replaced it with a genuine Yamaha one which died from corrosion after only four years. That was followed by an aftermarket one off eBay (can't recall the make) which lasted two years and then a Delkevic one which is just beginning to leak after a mere 15 months.
While the pattern radiators haven't lasted as long as the OE ones in my experience, I can't say for sure that the cause is down to quality issues. I haven't been very diligent at cleaning lately... no ACF50 and lots of use on salted roads may account for the difference.
I'm expecting a Chinese rad to turn up in a week or so, or at least a message from Mt. Pleasant sorting office demanding some VAT before they'll release it. After tax (and the Post Office bill for administering it), the cost should be under £100... so even if it has a third of the life expectancy of an OE unit it'll still work out cheaper.
While the pattern radiators haven't lasted as long as the OE ones in my experience, I can't say for sure that the cause is down to quality issues. I haven't been very diligent at cleaning lately... no ACF50 and lots of use on salted roads may account for the difference.
I'm expecting a Chinese rad to turn up in a week or so, or at least a message from Mt. Pleasant sorting office demanding some VAT before they'll release it. After tax (and the Post Office bill for administering it), the cost should be under £100... so even if it has a third of the life expectancy of an OE unit it'll still work out cheaper.