Protex Radiators? Any Thoughts?

B

Bassmaniac69

Member
So the radiator on my CH is on the way out - coolant is being pissed all over the engine bay but I have not yet found the leak - thats hopefully tomorrows job!

So I'm looking at replacement radiators and came across these:

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/protex-radiator-fits-mitsubishi-lancer-ch-cg-2002-07-radm069

Am I better going with a factory unit or is something like this fine. The car's just being used for commuting and lugging gear to gigs.

Any advice on this would be great (or other suggestions) as well as any hints on locating the leak/hole and any possible not replacement fixes?

Cheers!
 
I was lucky, i just replaced mine about 18 mths ago with a NOS old stock mitsubishi radiator (cost 190), that was after the dual action thermostat failed and started to seize at the opening and put extra pressure on the top seals (important note make sure you change the thermostat as well, check old one for any score marks on sides, if you find any in its movement, its on its way to imminent failure)

Chances are if its the orig radiator, then it could be the top seal which may be old and leaking at tank join (almost 12 years old) if that is the problem then best to replace the whole thing anyway and check hoses as well, especially the little buggers behind/under manifold.

I think Protex are manufactured in china from memory (like most things nowadays) and protex is just a aussie wide distributor of all major car aftermarket parts ,that doesn't mean they are no good, just boils down to (no pun intended) after sales service/warranty claims i guess if you have a problem.

You might want to check out Natrad, they have a nationwide 3 yr g/tee but as always that is i guess that is if one of their "authorized sellers" fit it for you, check it out anyway as i'm not sure of pricing. There are others around, also like adrad group etc.

I can ask my mate who has owned his radiator shop up here for the last 35+ years, he's the one that found the new old stock one for me, and i can let you know what brand he honestly recommends or suggests?
 
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So cheap ching chong 1 vs ching chong 2. Its cheap its from china and it works. no big deal. Sometimes the core will outlast the garbage plastic end tanks.
New rad 50/50 mix coolant. a Cap that works. If you want upgrade to 1.1bar cap to get you a few more degrees until boiling temp approx 124deg.

Better you clean the mess. get soapy water and spray bottle and find the leak. Prossibly a pinhole in the corner from corrosion or failed end tank.
Its how you fix a car. You gotta troubleshoot first.
 
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Thanks gents for the replies.

Wagonmaster, that would be great if you could ask your mate. I have found some Mitsubishi OEM units for about the same as you paid, so I will look at that option when if it comes time. I'll do the thermostat at the same time of course.

Hens, thats the plan, I was hoping to do it this weekend but time just got away from me. I don't think I'll need to upgrade the cap, I've had no issues so far. Outof curiosity, if I find the hole and it is a pin head etc., is there a fix for it without replacing the radiator?

Cheers!
 
If its pinhole in the core just JBweld it. No big deal. no loss and gets you back on the road without a leak.
The pinhole leak is not withstanding 1bar of cooling system pressure.
 
I've bought 2 alloy radiators for projects from Michael Auto Parts in Greenacre.
Well made and looks the goods!
He ships fast too. Cheaper than anyone else I could find and encyclopedic knowledge too.
 
Ok, update - replaced the radiator on the weekend with a new unit, also did the thermostat, top and bottom hoses and auto transmission cooler lines at the same time just to be sure.

Work a treat and I learnt a few things on the way. Thanks to Wagonmaster in particular for his above and beyond help via email. Cheers!
 
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