This section covers the radiator assemblies, coolant hoses, and associated mounting hardware for both the TD and TF. The radiator is one of the clearest TD-versus-TF distinctions in the entire catalogue, the two models use completely different radiator assemblies reflecting the change from non-pressurised to pressurised cooling at the model transition in October 1953.
TD Radiator Assembly
The TD radiator is a non-pressurised unit with a top-mounted filler cap. The radiator is reconditioned on the customer's own unit basis, the original core is stripped, rebuilt, and returned. The TD radiator assembly includes the filler cap and its seal, plus a temperature gauge pipe adaptor available in both male-female and male-male thread configurations depending on the gauge installation, or a blanking plug for cars fitted without a temperature gauge. The adaptor boss fibre washer and the radiator drain tap with its fibre washer are included in the TD-specific hardware.
The TD radiator mounting arrangement comprises a lower mounting bracket specific to the TD, two support tubes with fork ends, bolts and nuts for the upper stays, a headlamp mounting tie bracket, two headlamp mounting brackets with their bolt and nut sets, and rubber ferrules that isolate the headlamp brackets from vibration. The interconnection between the radiator and the headlamp mountings is unique to the TD's free-standing headlamp arrangement. The chassis crossmember and the eight-bush mounting kit that secures the radiator to the crossmember are shared with the TF.
TF Radiator Assembly
The TF radiator is a pressurised unit operating at 4 lb, with a pressure-rated filler cap accessed under the bonnet. The radiator core is lower in height and thicker in depth than the TD unit to suit the TF's lower bonnet line whilst maintaining cooling capacity. The TF radiator is also reconditioned on the customer's own unit basis. TF-specific components include separate left-hand and right-hand side plates, a base plate, and a lower mounting bracket, all different from the TD specification.
The two support tubes with fork ends, the chassis crossmember, and the eight-bush mounting kit are shared with the TD. The TF does not use the headlamp mounting tie bracket or brackets from the TD, as the TF headlamps are faired into the front wings rather than carried from the radiator area.
Coolant Hoses and Clips
The top hose and water branch pipe are model-specific between the TD and TF, reflecting the different radiator header tank positions and outlet geometries. The bottom hose set of three hoses is supplied as a kit and is common to both models. All hose clips are available in two types: the original Supergrip specification for a period-correct restoration, and the alternative Jubilee clip for everyday use. Both types are supplied in the sizes required, large clips for the main hose connections and smaller clips for the branch connections.
Hoses should be inspected at every service for cracking, softening, and internal deterioration, a collapsed bottom hose that restricts coolant flow at speed can be a difficult overheating diagnosis, because the hose appears sound when the engine is stopped and the system is not under flow pressure.
Cooling System Additives and Tools
A heat-transfer agent additive that lowers engine running temperature by up to 15°C is available for owners experiencing marginal overheating, one bottle treats approximately 15 litres of coolant, and the additive works alongside conventional antifreeze in both pressurised and non-pressurised systems. A flexible driver tool for tightening Jubilee clips in difficult-to-reach positions is also available, since the TD and TF engine bay presents several hose connections where access is restricted by the surrounding bodywork and ancillaries.
Ordering Considerations
When ordering a reconditioned radiator, state TD or TF clearly, the two units are entirely different. For hoses, the top hose and water branch pipe are model-specific; the bottom hose set is common. For a TD with a temperature gauge, confirm whether the gauge connects via a male-female or male-male adaptor. The eight-bush mounting kit, chassis crossmember, drain tap, and support tubes with fork ends are shared between both models and can be ordered without a model-specific reference.