so how did it go?...well we changed the radiator, topped up with coolant and water and discovered that the top hose was leaking...just great! so now this needs changing as suggested by fellow buddies on this forum. There was however an irritating taping noise coming from the engine (somewhere down there anyway) when we started her up after the rad change. However, as the engine warmed up the noise faded away. Now im waiting for the engine to cool down before i fire her up again to check for the noise.....one thing after another....is this noise normal after a rad change or am i now looking at another problem. Oh and the hose stopped leaking too but ima still change it to be safe.