I went out to change the thermostat but had another good look around first for leaks and spotted a couple of dribbles under the rear top of the radiator.The car has not been used yet today. New radiator ?

sounds like it might be.

I d'try radiator seal but I'm not a purist/perfectionist...

Okay, tomorrow I'll check out Grahams suggestion (too dark now) There was a leak at the rear nearside corner Graham at around twenty thousand miles but it was noticeable. At the end of today the rear of the rad top was wet again so it looks like that that is where the leak is. I suppose twenty three years is fair enough and time for a new one from Mulfab. I dread to think of the postage but it will be cheaper than sending anything from here to Britain.

Sounds like you've found the problem Meabh...

Cheers,

Can you not get it re-cored or repaired locally?

+1 If it is more than 20 years old it is probably brass and could easily be repaired/recored by a local expert.

!989 Bodger so yes, brass I think. I'll ask locally this week as although I would like a nice new aluminium mulfab job it is a lot of dosh. On the other hand it is lighter and I am intending to keep the car and continue to upgrade it - or am I looking for excuses. No, you are right of course, get it repaired.

You could try using K-Seal that you put in the system (if available in France). It is good at finding small leaks and sealing them. Ironically I just changed my coolant (2 year cycle) and always add one to the new anti freeze mix so it is always "ready to pounce".

Then you can save up for the aluminium radiator if you need the excuse!

Radiators tend to spring leaks at the most unwelcome times. I had mine repaired in Scotland and in the Algarve (on holiday trips) by local garages. I don't think this would have been so easy with an aluminium radiator.