C5 S6 Radiator replacement

[Fast Co]

Back in August I discovered that my radiator had developed a leak. I ordered a replacement (through Worldpac) which was described as OEM and installed it just as it came out of the box. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a new spot on the garage floor. I thought it was P/S fluid weeping from a banjo bolt but upon further investigation, it turned out to be coolant. Back to 'service position', the leak was coming from the trans cooler line in the new rad. Called the rep and was told that they had several of theses units returned as defective. Checked other sources to see what else was available, turns out not much. Dealer price was about twice what this one cost and no guarantee that it would be any better. So I got another under warranty (rad only not labor, coolant, etc) and checked it thoroughly before installation. The connection for the trans lines lines was kind of loose. Tightened it up and installed, so far so good. Obviously I will keep an eye on it.

I just wanted to warn you guys to double check the fittings before installing a new rad.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[danspach]

I have a coolant leak now and assume it's the rad so thanks for the heads up on this.

Still holding up?

[Fast Co]

As a matter of fact that one started leaking as well. They all seemed to leak at the fitting for the trans cooler. I checked with the Audi dealer who could order one of the last few in the country (their computer said "oem" but could not confirm actual brand). They recommended 1800radiator. So I ordered one and it is slightly different from the "NFR" branded ones. It has been fine so far (then my thermostat broke and we ended up doing the timing belt service... again). My car has been in service position way too often in the last few months ;>(. I put some fresh cardboard on the garage floor and it shows no new spots. I suggest whatever you do, do NOT get an NFR brand radiator!

At least I know I won't have any radiator issues with my 911!!!

[danspach]

Thanks for the information. That's very helpful to know. Sorry you're a trailblazer for a part so mundane as a radiator. Guess I should really take a good look to confirm it is in fact the radiator and not something else up there.

No radiators - you got me there. I actually need to clean mine out as part of the pre-season prep. I really wanted a 964 when I finally took the leap and sold my M3 but it was just last year and the spread between the 964 and 996t was just too narrow for me. Got any pics?!

[Fast Co]

Thanks for the information. That's very helpful to know. Sorry you're a trailblazer for a part so mundane as a radiator. Guess I should really take a good look to confirm it is in fact the radiator and not something else up there.

Yes, check to be sure it's actually the rad. There's plenty of potential sources of leaks.


No radiators - you got me there. I actually need to clean mine out as part of the pre-season prep. I really wanted a 964 when I finally took the leap and sold my M3 but it was just last year and the spread between the 964 and 996t was just too narrow for me. Got any pics?!

Here's a link to photobucket page.
http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/Walbum/media/RS6A_zpsa73kilpt.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

Hope you're not too much of a purist...
The Volvos (coupe and green wagon) have 5.0 V8s. The black Audi is the RS6 conversion. The 964 has a late 993 varioram. Jeez, out of 5 cars, only one (grey '02 S6) has the engine it was born with.

996 turbo has to be one of the best 'bang for the buck' cars on the market. I bought the 964 a few years ago, right before they got pricey.

[danspach]

Glad you got in before things went crazy in the air-cooled market. Thought I'd get in but when I'm looking at doing as much work to maintain as I did the M3, the turbo became more suitable for the spot in the lineup. I bring the kids to school in, bought a Thule box for the roof rack and when I'm solo, she's a rip. Plus I found a white one.

"Hope you're not too much of a purist...". Couldn't be. I bought a 996. [;)]

That's a serious collection you got there. Love me a hot wagon.

Those WHEELS. Whoof.

[Fast Co]

As they say, "life's too short to drive boring cars". I'm sure your kids don't complain about riding to school in the Porsche.

The wheels on the black Audi are 19 x 10 Rotiforms, powder coated grey. I also have a set of 5 spoke RS6 reps. The SSR wheels on the grey S6 are very light compared to others I've tried. Both Audis ride on coilovers.
I must admit that I have spent a lot more money maintaining the S6 than most of the other cars put together. I also drive it much more than any of the other cars so maybe there's the correlation.

Between schlepping the dogs around and hauling artwork for business, I'd rather drive a fun wagon than a truck or SUV.
My brother's daily drivers are either '06 997C2S or '03 S8 (plus a '67 Chevy pick up for mulch runs). We have bought and sold several cars back and forth over the years.

Andy