Radiator options....

[u2slow]

My buddy has split his radiator at the tank seams again on his '90 IDI. Is this a common problem on the short/wide (20"x35") radiators?

Its a $450 rad to replace. He has a spare 30"x30" rad, but his rad support is the shallow (gas) style one.

Is the 'square' radiator more durable? Is it worth getting a jobber rad support and going that route? Any other pros/cons for switching?

 

[dmaxjoe]

My 84 has had the short wide rad in it for the five years I have owned it and it looks as if it was in there for a long time before I bought it. My 91 has the taller square rad and I am on my 3rd one. I don't think the radiator is to blame for what has happened.

 

[icanfixall]

Usually the reason the split is because the lead isn't completely removed from the tank to core joint. The tank must fit deep in the groove or there wont be enough material to hold it in the groove....