Re: [DML] Radiator question

["David Swingle" <dswingle@xxxx>]

I'd guess that the previous owner had it fixed. The OE radiators had plastic
tanks on both sides. If you buy an OEM from a DMC vendor, it will still have
plastic. tanks. They all sell replacements that are all brass, with extra
rows of cooling too.

The plastic tanks fail in two ways. Either a hose connection breaks off
(typically the bleeder on the passenger side), or they start leaking at the
compression fitting where the plastic is joined to the brass.

The original one in my case lasted 18 years (good enough for me), and you'l
notice that almost every car made in the past 15 years uses plastic tanks. I
went with the OEM.

Other pros& cons:
- - The OEMs fit perfectly and cost less (although the price WAS reduced
recently to undercut the aftermarket units)
- - The aftermarket ones can be made with increased cooling capacity, and
many people feel that the brass tanks will ultimately last longer. I have
heard of problems with fit (no first-hand experience).

The most important thing you can do to make the radiator last is to change
the coolant at least every two years.

Dave

----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steve Rubano" <srubano@xxxx>
> Subject: Radiator question
>
> I removed my radiator the other day and took a good look at it. Now I
> know that the OEM ones had Plastic holding tanks BUT mine, for some
> strange reason, has a BRASS tank (and soldered on not clamped) on the
> right (passenger side) and on the left (drivers) is plastic (clamped
> on). My question is this: Do/did the OEM's have plastic tanks on both
> sides of the radiator or a brass/plastic set up like mine? ?