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Two radiators since purchase - FIRST POST

wasabij

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Year, Model & Trim Level
1993 Ford Explorer XLT V6
UPDATED: Installed pics of DNA All-Aluminum Radiator

UPDATE:

The replacement radiator from Genesis was damaged during shipping; had a gouge halfway up the core. A different radiator I bought from a parts store in person had a defect when pressure tested.

Ended up getting an all aluminum radiator from DNA.

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Installation was fairly straightforward; the only MAJOR issue I ran into was the transmission lines on the radiator are male, so I had to get a set of 3/8" couplers from O'Reilly -- they fit directly with no additional fittings. I put the coupler with some thread locking tape, a high-temp washer, and connected the tranny lines. The only potential issue is that the lines come within about an inch of the belt/pulley assembly, but mine clears just fine even under high revs.

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A minor issue is that the mounting holes and the bottom retention clips for the fan shroud do not line up perfectly so I had to widen the holes on the fan shroud (it was already cracked prior to this process), and I put the clips on the lowest possible holes on the radiator.

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The top line did not fit perfectly; it is about 1/16"-1/8" too large, and the shroud prevents a perfectly flush fitting of the hose to the tank surface. However, the hose clamp has been holding well with no leaks apparent after 100 miles on this radiator, with the AC/heater running.

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Overall, I'm very pleased with this radiator; I apologize it slipped my mind to do install pics of the process, but my friend and I (with minimal automobile repair experience) simply followed the Hayne's manual, with the above noted modifications. The OP is kept for posterity and reference below:

I bought a '93 4 door XLT with 105k on it from a dealer, as-is. Mostly everything was great until I had it in my driveway.

Unfortunately, the original radiator had a leak right where the metal met the plastic tanks, on the driver's side; I fought with the dealer to get it fixed but no dice. So, I bought a Genesis replacement that lasted one week.

This time, I have a leak that is much more severe, and started after taking it to a car wash. The leak seems to be coming from the center of the radiator, and about halfway up the back. I've already got a RMA for it from the seller, so I'm not worried about that.

My main concern is if there is anything that could cause radiators to break like this; am I just lucky?

My other question is I'm tempted to buy an all aluminum radiator since it's already out; but they don't come with any warranty and are twice the cost of a regular replacement.

What would you do in my situation? I'm really tight on cash, so I'm looking for the best long term solution.
 
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There are plenty of knockoff products out there that look the same as their quality brand-name counterparts, but are made in China or some third-world country with cheap materials and cheap labor, and their hope is that it lasts just long enough to make the sale and for you to forget about where you bought it from or lose the receipt.

All-aluminum radiators are nice, but they have their own issues, and they aren't really what you want for a daily driver.

Personally, when it comes to radiator replacements, I'd stick with a Vista-Pro, made by Visteon, which is an OEM Ford supplier, and where (supposedly) the original radiators come from. They are among the most affordable ones out there and can be had for just a few bucks more than the cheapo brands, through places such as Rockauto or Advance Auto Parts. Other than that, I'd get one through a major auto parts store that will honor their warranty no questions asked.
 






Thanks for the response. What's not to like about all metal radiators? And I was saying that Genesis did offer a no questions asked RMA, I just was bummed that it broke so quickly.
 






Several years ago I replaced the radiator in my 1991 Ranger with a 2 row unit for an Explorer. I bought it from http://www.autocoolradiators.com/ and it was very nice.
A couple years ago I replaced the radiator in my 1997 Escort with a unit I bought from Rockauto. It was a quality unit made in Canada.
I wouldn't hesitate to order from either place if I needed a new unit.
 












All-metal radiators are fine, but "all-aluminum" ones are usually of the custom-made peformance variety, and aren't made for the same daily use as a stock replacement.

The plastic tank sides aren't the greatest idea, sure, but for a ~$50 part they get the job done and can last 20-30 years or more.

It's good that Genesis honored their warranty on it, just for something like a radiator, sometimes it's better to get it from a local auto parts store so they can order you in the replacement and swap it out with the old one on the spot, rather than deal with return shipping and having to wait for the replacement to arrive.
 






Back in 2005 I Hit a deer and bought a replacement from Auto Zone , Worked fine until I did my first trans swap back in 2011 when the top trans cooler line was too tight and caused a small crack in the plastic , it drips a tiny bit so I Just keep an eye on the level , I will be replacing it in the near future after I get another trans .
 






rockauto.com

Get a 4 seasons, SPECTRA PREMIUM, VISTA-PRO...all the same thing. I think you just got a bad one. There's isnl't much to this part. I never had issues with breakage.
 






Thanks for all your help. I went through a different radiator that had a cracked tank when I pressure tested it (I have no luck) so in a moment of desperation I bought the DNA All-Aluminum radiator.

OP changed to reflect installation.
 






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