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General Information => General => Topic started by: DRP67207 on March 22, 2011, 07:06:49 pm

Title: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: DRP67207 on March 22, 2011, 07:06:49 pm

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.

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: mystery3 on March 22, 2011, 07:09:09 pm

I don't personally like plastic end caps on anything but that's usually how everything comes these days. Who is the manufacturer?

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: maxfax on March 22, 2011, 07:17:31 pm

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..

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: DRP67207 on March 23, 2011, 04:50:05 am

Its a Modine radiator from Autohaus AZ. Any experience with this brand?

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: maxfax on March 23, 2011, 04:59:46 am

Modine is a reputable brand...

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: rabbitman on March 23, 2011, 06:27:48 pm

I bought a new rad with plastic ends about 3 years ago and it just started to lead in cold weather.......like 30 below.

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: 8v-of-fury on March 23, 2011, 06:54:32 pm

Quote from: rabbitman on March 23, 2011, 06:27:48 pm

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

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: maxfax on March 23, 2011, 08:14:53 pm

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....

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: mystery3 on March 23, 2011, 08:19:42 pm

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.

Title: Re: Opinions on radiators with plastic end caps
Post by: rabbitman on March 23, 2011, 09:05:58 pm

Quote from: 8v-of-fury on March 23, 2011, 06:54:32 pm

Quote from: rabbitman on March 23, 2011, 06:27:48 pm

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.