wasabij
New Member
- Joined
- December 2, 2013
- Messages
- 8
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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