Matt_INW
Full Access Member
No such thing as a quality after market radiator for diesels, at least that's how it seems. The copper and brass radiator I shelled out $538 for 15 months ago has a couple seeps where the top tank joins the core. And so far the manufacturer won't do a thing, not even a discount towards repair or replacement. It's 3 months past warranty. I posted on their FB page today which is moderated so they have to review and it likely won't actually get posted, and will call their main number (instead of local) tomorrow.
Fortunately the shop I ordered it through does "everything". For the short term he'll repair the 2 spots and maybe resolder the entire top tank. Long term he can rebuild the whole thing and put in a nicer/better core ($500-600 though). He told me he's seen problems with various after market radiators for diesels. He has nothing to recommend for replacement based on what he's been seeing, and my experiences seem to line up.
Moral of the story, don't toss your old radiator (like I did), get it rebuilt by a good radiator shop.
I already tried champion last time, and I'm not putting in an aluminium and plastic thing from the national auto parts stores. Did some research again today, and found no new/better options from my searching last year.
I so look forward to removing the radiator in the next couple days to have it worked on!
Fortunately the shop I ordered it through does "everything". For the short term he'll repair the 2 spots and maybe resolder the entire top tank. Long term he can rebuild the whole thing and put in a nicer/better core ($500-600 though). He told me he's seen problems with various after market radiators for diesels. He has nothing to recommend for replacement based on what he's been seeing, and my experiences seem to line up.
Moral of the story, don't toss your old radiator (like I did), get it rebuilt by a good radiator shop.
I already tried champion last time, and I'm not putting in an aluminium and plastic thing from the national auto parts stores. Did some research again today, and found no new/better options from my searching last year.
I so look forward to removing the radiator in the next couple days to have it worked on!