Re: Repro vs. Original Radiators

Posted by Brian Burkert on May 26, 1998 at 17:09:30

In Reply to: Repro vs. Original Radiators
posted by Brian Burkert on May 25, 1998 at 20:51:01

Your comments are all appreciated.
Many of your experiences are similar to mine.One of the biggest problems I had with the repro radiator is parts breaking loose such as the hood rod bracket, the neck, and the overflow tube.Within 5,000 miles a leak also developed somewhere around the bottom tank---probably between the tank and the core.
I drove with this repro radiator under extreme conditions when I traveled with my club to the Dayton, Ohio MARC 1997 Meet.The trip out was very hot, around ninety degrees the whole way.I had three people in the car with all the necessary (and unnecessary) luggage for the week.
For the most part the car performed wonderfully.We travelled at speeds around 50 mph uphill and downhill on the interstate highway.Everything went fine until we got to the big mountains in western PA.My car overheated terribly on one of these hills.The matter was made worse because I did not realize the car was running hot until it was too late.Luckily I stopped before any damage was done.
From that point on I checked my water every time we stopped and I have been driving nervously ever since.It is interesting to note that my car was the only car to overheat and that I was the only one without an original radiator.Another guy did have cooling problems, but they were a result of other complications.The other cars, wjich were also loaded, took a bit of water, but they never boiled.
We did not have any trouble on the return trip.
I now have had my original tanks recored.Overall, I have a better quality radiator but the reproduction core is no better than the core in the repro radiator.I still think the car takes too much water in all conditions.There is no other evidence of internal or external leaks.The engine is rebuilt and I had the head planed.There is no foaming or sweet-smelling steam from the exhaust or any evidence of coolant in the oil.
I am going to install an original.I will tell you what happens.
Thanks.
Brian
Fleetwood, PA
: This question is for people who have run both original and reproduction radiators.Have you found that the originals provide better cooling efficiency?How about flow rates and water pushing out the overflow?
: I have run a repro radiator and a recored (with repro core) radiator both with a thermostat and have had problems with losing water.I usually have to add 2/3 gallon of water every 150 miles in moderate (65-80 deg) temperatures.Sometimes on very hot days when I travel with a heavy load my car overheats while other cars with original radiators do not.Do any of you have a similar situation.I believe the the car should not overheat at all---It runs great otherwise.
: The recored radiator was shop flow-tested at 37 gpm.
: Any information is appreciated.Thanks.
: Brian

E-Mail Comment to Webmaster