Radiator replacement or upgrade

[Cape taco12]

Looks like my radiator has a pinhole. It’s been an issue since I had top end repairs.
Seeing if it’s covered under previous repairs as the problem started exactly then.

OEM radiator or after market if it’s on my dime.

any experience with aftermarket radiators? Specifically longevity and warranty ability? I see some with “lifetime” but there must be some catch besides costing 2-3x an OEM. Either way I won’t be installing it myself as I don’t have time.

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[Lost1wing]

Looks like my radiator has a pinhole. It’s been an issue since I had top end repairs.
Seeing if it’s covered under previous repairs as the problem started exactly then.

OEM radiator or after market if it’s on my dime.

any experience with aftermarket radiators? Specifically longevity and warranty ability? I see some with “lifetime” but there must be some catch besides costing 2-3x an OEM. Either way I won’t be installing it myself as I don’t have time.

I think the oem will be just fine. I wouldn't let those other guys work on it again though.

 

[Lost1wing]

Can you see the pin hole? Could it be a hose leaking onto the rad?

 

[Cape taco12]

Can you see the pin hole? Could it be a hose leaking onto the rad?

Truck had passenger side cam and head replaced. Coolant was replaced during that repair. Immediately after there was a slow leak. Thinking rough handling or something else during the repair may have contributed to the issue. Then again the truck is 6 years old.


I found a leaking hose and a spot in the radiator. Brought it in they replaced the hose. I told them about the coolant scab on the radiator but it passed the pressure test so they figured it sprayed on another way. I disagreed but I’m not a technician so I waited to see.

2k miles later the coolant is low again. I have since washed the spot on the radiator away and watched it slowly reappear.

 

[Lost1wing]

That does look like they damaged it. If you had it documented and returned once for a leak, dud you try and take it back and tell them it is still leaking in the same spot.

If you do it yourself, just get the oem.

 

[imallcrawl]

In the 90's as a rad mechanic, a lot of people would come in for upgrades that had extra tubes and brass or aluminum welded tanks rather than plastic. I don't think I've ever experienced an unsatisfied customer after the upgrade. If its on your dime, I say aftermarket. Mishimoto has some cool rads.

 

[Lost1wing]

In the 90's as a rad mechanic, a lot of people would come in for upgrades that had extra tubes and brass or aluminum welded tanks rather than plastic. I don't think I've ever experienced an unsatisfied customer after the upgrade. If its on your dime, I say aftermarket. Mishimoto has some cool rads.

The OEM radiator will be fine. 2x-3x the cost is why I feel he should go OEM. As long as he keeps the gorillas from working on it, it should last a long time. My I have 23 year old vehicles with plastic tanks. No need for the extra expense in my opinion.

 

[professorkx]

I miss the days of brass and copper radiators when you could just fix them yourself. My 47 truck conversion has a brass and copper radiator from a 65 Mustang with the motor swap to a v6, and it developed a little leak on a tank seam. 10 minutes with a small torch and solder and it was back in the Jeep ready for action…

I’ve used aftermarket aluminum radiators from Summit on a lot of motor swaps, and they just don’t have a good service life…certainly not a 100,000 mile solution IMHO…

 

[Old Dogger]

MOPAR OEM.

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