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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: mtnbob on July 12, 2009, 04:07:11 pm

Title: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: mtnbob on July 12, 2009, 04:07:11 pm

I just bought a turbo radiator after hearing that it would offer better cooling than the stock one. It is identical to what is in my 86 1.6 N/A. Any input would be great. My radiator had an item number of 191 121 253 A 30/85. The one I got was  191 121 253 A 18/85.
Thanks
Robert

Title: Re: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: 8v-of-fury on July 13, 2009, 05:55:15 am

I'm pretty sure the only difference is, is that it is a bit longer. Possibly a bit thicker for slightly better cooling. Either will bolt right in to any mk1, or mk2 as both generations frames have the holes to mount either. You may need a different top rad hose, as IIRC it kinda points at a 45 to the passenger side as opposed to straight out??? Don't quote me on that last one lol.

Good luck fitting the new rad  ;)

Title: Re: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: mtnbob on July 13, 2009, 01:11:15 pm

Looking at the two item numbers, aren't they the same radiators? They look identical. ???

Title: Re: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: jtanguay on July 13, 2009, 02:08:53 pm

the turbo rad might be a bit longer, but it will fit.  the locking tab up top just needs to be moved over a bit i think.  i'm actually considering going with a shorter rad due to the TDI efficiency and space requirements to fit my a/c compressor...  but i might just re-route the lower output of the rad to the side to make room for it.  but as always i'll do whats cheapest  ;)

but if you really want better cooling, junk the OEM fan and get two of these (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130311626299&viewitem=)  the guy sells different sized fans as well so you can just buy two and make a shroud out of some durable material.  two fans will move a heck of a lot more air than one...

Title: Re: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: Hammy on July 13, 2009, 07:13:53 pm

 It might be possible that someone installed a turbo rad previously, maybe they had some cooling issues or got the wrong one. If they are the same length then it is likely a turbo rad. The other rad would be noticeably shorter if it was an NA rad. I've changed one over once also, I believe it was almost 6" shorter. Hope this helps. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, it was about three years ago.

Jas

Title: Re: Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??
Post by: mtnbob on July 14, 2009, 12:22:26 pm

I think what I have is what it came with. Maybe my car came with the turbo radiator since it had factory air. Since I have it all apart is there anything I can do to clean the coils better in the radiator or the A/C radiator?