Need a radiator; aluminum? 2 or 3 row? vendor?

[MazDan]

the original OEM radiator cracked in the plastic tank. I purchased an aftermarket (plastic tank design) from eBay for $95 from Aeon. The Aeon unit (made by someone else) leaks at the cap - neck interface.

Aeon is giving me a big run-around and not sure how long, if ever, it is going to take them to replace this defective radiator. I have tried 4 diferent caps (Stant and Motorcraft) and they all leak at the cap/neck interface. The radiator won't hold pressure do to this poor seal at the cap.

So I have started looking into options. It seems like radiator information on the Internet is a lot of snake oil stuff. bad quality, false advertisement, multiple names of same company, lots of games.

I have seen where I can get all aluminum radiators; which I'd prefer to eliminate the plastic tanks and the plastic necks.

My truck is all stock and will remain all stock. I am in Phoenix though. I have seen prices of all aluminum from $130 to $230 ranging from 1 row to 3 row.

Anyone have suggestions of what I should get and more importantly where I should buy? I would like to remain below $150.

I hope to figure out this week if Aeon will stand behind their product and replace the defective radiator (plastic tanks) and if so, I'll go with that. But I read about them on the Internet and found many complaints so I am not holding my breath and that is why I started investigating aluminum options.

thanks,
mazdan

[pearlkid9988]

For the stock units with plastic tanks theres like 2 companies that actually make them and then they get rebranded by other companies. All aluminum is good but you have to be careful aluminum is soft so make sure nothing touches any side of it directly as over time it can rub holes. 1 or 2 row should be sufficient 3 row will run to cold on a stock 3.0 i have high under hood temps due to exposed aftermarket headers and my 2 row(4.0 rad with plastic tanks) still makes it run a little on the cold side in winter. I bought one from summit open box for $60 (for a 4.0 slightly higher capacity than stock 3.0) and regular price is in your budget range) not sure who makes it but it has been excellent the last 2 years. Also even a 1 row all aluminum will be slightly more efficient than stock plastic since the tanks can also radiate heat fairly well unlike the plastic ones. Unless you plan on big power or excessive temps 1-2 row should do just fine. As for brand not many companies make all aluminum for these trucks so as long as the weld quality is decent you should be ok. Hard to really recommend one with such a small market.

[MazDan]

thanks for your post pearlkid.

do you, or anyone, have an opinion about this single row all aluminum one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Row-w-o-EO...e86a0c&vxp=mtr

[Idaho99ranger]

Originally Posted by MazDan

the original OEM radiator cracked in the plastic tank. I purchased an aftermarket (plastic tank design) from eBay for $95 from Aeon. The Aeon unit (made by someone else) leaks at the cap - neck interface. Aeon is giving me a big run-around and not sure how long, if ever, it is going to take them to replace this defective radiator. I have tried 4 diferent caps (Stant and Motorcraft) and they all leak at the cap/neck interface. The radiator won't hold pressure do to this poor seal at the cap. So I have started looking into options. It seems like radiator information on the Internet is a lot of snake oil stuff. bad quality, false advertisement, multiple names of same company, lots of games. I have seen where I can get all aluminum radiators; which I'd prefer to eliminate the plastic tanks and the plastic necks. My truck is all stock and will remain all stock. I am in Phoenix though. I have seen prices of all aluminum from $130 to $230 ranging from 1 row to 3 row. Anyone have suggestions of what I should get and more importantly where I should buy? I would like to remain below $150. I hope to figure out this week if Aeon will stand behind their product and replace the defective radiator (plastic tanks) and if so, I'll go with that. But I read about them on the Internet and found many complaints so I am not holding my breath and that is why I started investigating aluminum options. thanks, mazdan

If you do a search I think some guys are running a 3 row out of an explorer. Im going to research it next spring and do the same. I also have the 3.0, it probably will run a little cool in the winter but I cover the grill. I doubt you would ever have a problem in pheonix.

[pearlkid9988]

Yeah I've seen a few of the 3 rows but the sites that sell them recommend them only for supercharged applications/ 5.0 swaps. If you can get one for a fair price then go for it especially if you plan other mods in the future. The 3 row would work well with an e-fan swap since its extra capacity would take a lot of the load off the fan. But in an all stock environment i think its overkill. The one the OP posted appears to have all correct fittings but the blurry image makes me kinda weary since the welds look a little uneven in places. Thats not necessarily a problem so long as they are sealed well but still worth checking to see if they have any more higher quality pics.

[MazDan]

After considering input here and doing a lot more reading, I think a 2 row aluminum radiator would be adequate.

I posted an ebay listing for a single row radiator sold by Radiatorclassic. But for a little more money ($132 shipped) I have found this 2 row option on ebay. Since I am all stock I think 1 row would be fine, but since I am in Phoenix and need a/c most of the time, seems that 2 row would be the safer bet. I also agree that 3 row would be overkill for my application. I did find a 3 row for about $185 though.

Anyway, check out this 2 row I am zeroing in on:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261665775401...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have sent the seller an email asking for more pictures.

Any thoughts on this 2 row option? I also plan on staying with stock shroud, fan and fan clutch.


mazdan

[MazDan]

well I contacted the 2 row seller (speedgirl) and asked if they could provide more pictures. The response was "the radiator is a long way away so can't take pictures". They went on to say "i can't help if you don't trust"..

I responded..."so you are telling me there are no cameras were the radiators are made?" and I closed with "I'll buy from someone else"...

Geesh!

So back to he search.

[GLH]

It's what you get on fleabay. Trust noone on fleabay unless you have done legit biz with them before. Especially this goofy crazy time of the year.

[LilRanger93]

Originally Posted by MazDan

well I contacted the 2 row seller (speedgirl) and asked if they could provide more pictures. The response was "the radiator is a long way away so can't take pictures". They went on to say "i can't help if you don't trust"..

I responded..."so you are telling me there are no cameras were the radiators are made?" and I closed with "I'll buy from someone else"...

Geesh!

So back to he search.

Guessing the radiator is made in China that's why. Fleabay is like Walmart, most of the stuff they sell is made in China.

I'd search around locally for a shop that specializes in radiators and cooling system repairs as they have good deals on radiators and can get you what you want.

I did this when I was looking for a Fluidyne radiator for my mustang and found a local shop that got it for me at cost.

[MazDan]

After doing a lot of reading and researching, I have decided to get a single row all aluminum radiator. Single row should be adequate since I am completely stock with a completely rebuilt cooling system. The aluminum will address 2 problems I have experienced; split plastic tank and cap that won't seal on worn out neck.

Here she is:




Buying for $140 shipped. Seller/Brand is yourradiator. listed on both ebay and Amazon. I am buying from Amazon site. Good pictures and they did answer an email I had sent quickly.

So let's all cross our fingers! lol

here is link:

http://www.amazon.com/YourRadiator-RD22173A-New-Aluminum-Radiator/dp/B00KBXHK86/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1W3ZQ1425S37ZZYRYXJP

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I will post follow-up when installed. I won't arrive until end of next week....so next weekend project!

mazdan

[MazDan]

Radiator arrived today: shipped on Monday and arrived on Friday (east to west coast).

First Impression - POSITIVE

General:

1. Brand - CRS automotive cooling products
2. Part Number - CUC2173AL

Highlights:

1. All aluminum
2. Billet neck
3. includes cap (but I will use new Motorcraft)
4. has metal drain plug
5. looks accurate, looks good, welds excellent

Negative: made in China. but from my research it seems that most (all?) are. quality does look good. we shall see.

Here are some pics:



















Will be installing this weekend and will report back.

mazdan

[MazDan]

installed the new all aluminum radiator last night. Bolted right in. works great so far.

only issue was shroud not quite fitting right so we shaved off a piece and added a couple spacers. Once mounted it looks like we didn't need to shave off anything.

Also, the overflow nipple isn't positioned so the overflow hose runs under the black plastic cover.

But still all-in-all, I'm impressed.

I am "fighting" now to get seller of previous junk one, I am not holding my breath.

mazdan

[MazDan]

Seems to be working Ok, no apparent leaks, heater works, runs at middle of temp gauge. but is it ok?

I have bled it the past couple days and had to add a little. So perhaps over a few days of this I can fully bleed it and all will be fine.

The symptoms I am concerned about:

1. The upper hose is very tight and feels like more air than coolant.

2. The lower hose is much cooler. I have to monitor this more closely before I say much more at the moment.

3. in cab, with engine running/driving I hear a sound that is like running water.

4. I have not seen the coolant overflow level change (hot vs cold)

5. I have removed the cap from the radiator company and installed a new Motorcraft cap but that didn't cause any changes.

6. oil looks good, no sign of water.

7. some white smoke at tailpipe. I need to watch this more closely to see if changes as driven.

8. no sign of oil in coolant


Note: the ENTIRE coolant system has been replaced. I mean everything... well everything except the heater core.


Planning on running a block test (checking coolant for combustion gases) and also a coolant system pressure test.

I will report back.

Any thoughts at this early stage?

thanks,

mazdan

[B2300SE]

My 2001 Mazda B2300 has low miles but is on it's FOURTH radiator. The first one was replaced under warranty by the dealer. Then I put a Vista in it and it lasted only 2 years and started leaking. I currently have several years on a Spectra Premium and so far so good. It seems better made than the Vista.

But I agree with some of the other posts here. I think there are only a few manufactures that get re-branded. And, I've also read negative things about the all aluminum radiators for the Mazda/Ranger despite their much higher price. At least on my 2.3 Duratec it's a fairly easy job.

All of mine have failed where the aluminum tubes meet the plastic tank. I have to wonder if the front-end sheet metal twists the radiator excessively when you drive over pot holes, speed bumps, off road, etc? The radiator life seems especially poor in the Ranger/Mazda trucks.