Ok my local dealer finally managed to source the right part i needed. Just a couple of questions i need answered though, How easy is it to change the sensor? would i need to bleed the system after i fit the new sensor? any other things i need to look out for when changing it?

Thanks

Paul

Bump

anyone have any idea

As far as I can remember from the Haynes manual it just screws into the left hand side of the radiator and the multiplug plugs in, I expect you will lose coolant (but not much if you're quick) so just top it up with a mix of G12++ and water afterwards until you're back at the right level on the coolant bottle.

Hi, I'm new to the forum so not sure if posting in correct place but here goes. I have a 98 Octavia 1.8 SLXi and have just changed the radiator as the previous one was leaking. Car has done 135000 miles and still enjoy driving it.

The original radiator switch had no gasket/'O' ring when I removed it but had never leaked. I tightened the switch into the new radiator and found was leaking when coolant added. I hoped that the malleable plastic covering on the new radiator may make an effective watertight seal but it didn't. Discussed with main dealer who didn't understand the need for a gasket and blamed it on not being a proper Skoda radiator. I bought some Granville Instant Gasket and smeared some on threads of switch and then wrapped around three times anticlockwise some PTFE tape. Smeared some more gasket goo over PTFE tape. Width of tape is longer than thread so trim of excess with a knife to prevent freeing and clogging radiator. I used a kids compass to mark out a cardboard washer (from memory 21mm ID and 29mm OD) to use as a gasket under the switch mating face (I used cardboard backing from gasket goo packaging but any thin card should do). Cut this out with a scalpel, cover in gasket goo and assembled and tightened up. I bought a 30mm across flats socket from Halfords and used that to gently tighten. It seems to have done the job thus far.

Looking at spare switches on the internet seem to show a gasket and hence recognise the need.

Not sure if a new Skoda switch comes with a gasket?

The switch is not visible/accessible to quickly remove and replace on my engine so had to remove black plastic side engine covers to see and fit. Therefore bleed before removing. Socket fits a treat after some manouvering into position and prevents coming in at an angle with an adjustable spanner which does also just about work!

Re-filled with G12++ despite saying G12 on car coolant bottle. G12++ has a purple coloured cap (which threw me) but it looks red when poured in and is compatible with G12 (lot of threads on this one).

Apologies for such a long detailed first post.

Edited 3 January, 201115 yr by rodroy