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Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
by
DRP67207
on 22 Mar, 2011 19:06
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So a new radiator for my '81 caddy diesel just arrived from Autohaus AZ, and while I knew that it had plastic end tanks on it, holding it in my hands I'm having some misgivings. My current radiator is leaking from the core and has some solder on one of the metal end tanks that the PO applied, but seems to be holding well.
So, the question is: Are plastic endcaps generally acceptable and reliable, or am I better off sticking with the old radiator with metal ends and getting it re-cored by a radiator shop? Any thoughts or insight are much appreciated.
Thanks.
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#1
by
mystery3
on 22 Mar, 2011 19:09
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I don't personally like plastic end caps on anything but that's usually how everything comes these days. Who is the manufacturer?
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#2
by
maxfax
on 22 Mar, 2011 19:17
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Never was much of a fan of the plastic tanks myself either, but as mystery said, that's how they come now days.. I guess anymore they last as long as the metal tanked versions.. I've seen plastic tanks go a billion miles, ans brass tanks degrade ans split in short order... The biggest down fall of plastic/aluminum rads is that they are tougher to patch, if they can be patched at all..
The source of the radiator has everything to do with what you're gonna get... The last cheapo I bought actually had the core fail before the tanks..
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#3
by
DRP67207
on 23 Mar, 2011 04:50
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Its a Modine radiator from Autohaus AZ. Any experience with this brand?
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#4
by
maxfax
on 23 Mar, 2011 04:59
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Modine is a reputable brand...
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#5
by
rabbitman
on 23 Mar, 2011 18:27
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I bought a new rad with plastic ends about 3 years ago and it just started to lead in cold weather.......like 30 below.
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#6
by
8v-of-fury
on 23 Mar, 2011 18:54
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I bought a new rad with plastic ends about 3 years ago and it just started to lead in cold weather.......like 30 below.
Too little coolant in the coolant/water mix maybe. And the water froze
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#7
by
maxfax
on 23 Mar, 2011 20:14
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I have a cheapo Chinese rad (45 bucks from Radiator Barn dot Com).. When the HG blew the last time about 6 rows of the core puffed up..
Darn thing doesn't leak though....
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#8
by
mystery3
on 23 Mar, 2011 20:19
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I wouldn't worry about a modine. I put a griffen scirocco radiator in my caddy, it's all alloy, 3" thick but a *** to install, lot's of modification, skinny fan, custom hose etc. I should have stuck with stock but it's done now.
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#9
by
rabbitman
on 23 Mar, 2011 21:05
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I bought a new rad with plastic ends about 3 years ago and it just started to lead in cold weather.......like 30 below.
Too little coolant in the coolant/water mix maybe. And the water froze
Coolant has always tested to -45F and even then it doesn't freeze solid, it just turns to slush.