Radiator replacement questions
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Okay, so of the 2 biggest mechanical issues I have left to fix, the radiator seems to be more pressing. It's been slowly leaking coolant for quite some time now but when I checked it out last night and saw from where and how it became clear I really should fix it sooner than later (hairline crack top front, directly in front of the large hose connection below the filler). I see Amazon has a Denso replacement for cheap, and I know that Denso is an OEM part maker for Honda, but I'm not super keen on the use of plastic. For about 2.5x more I can get an all aluminum one that's all "high performance" and such (2 row, etc.). Now while the fitment thing says the aluminum one fits my car, the part desc. says MT only, and I note in the picture it doesn't seem to have the 2 brass stems coming off of it like the Denso one does.
I guess my first question is, do I have a legitimate concern about the use of plastics, and 2, is going for that all metal one worth it to avoid plastics? Pretty much every other compatible rad I can find seems to be the same single row plastic/aluminum composition. Just want to be sure I'm getting something good that won't fail quick. TIA.
I guess my first question is, do I have a legitimate concern about the use of plastics, and 2, is going for that all metal one worth it to avoid plastics? Pretty much every other compatible rad I can find seems to be the same single row plastic/aluminum composition. Just want to be sure I'm getting something good that won't fail quick. TIA.
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Re: Radiator replacement questions
I bought the Denso one from Amazon. The oem is plastic. Being plastic is not always a bad thing. I felt the Denso was good quality for the price.
I also found that the Denso seemed to an OE match since they make the OEM radiator.
I also found that the Denso seemed to an OE match since they make the OEM radiator.
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Do you have a manual trans car? Because if you have an auto then you may need those two brass fittings for the auto tranny.
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Alternatively, you can tap the coolant lines and run a dedicated transmission cooler. I'm speaking theoretically, however, since 1) I have manual tranny and 2) I haven't looked into it at all.
Edit: that is, of course, you decide on the high performance MT-only rad
Edit: that is, of course, you decide on the high performance MT-only rad
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Yeah, no. No sense in trying to do things the hard way. I have the Denso rad coming. For now I cleaned the area where the rad is breaking, sanded it down, and JB Welded it. It's still leaking a little but it should hold until the new rad arrives.
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Yeah, figured as much. Just thought I'd throw another option out there
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