Good source for new radiator?

[arveetek]

I installed a new radiator back in May that I purchased from my local auto supply, who is really good to work with and has great prices. That radiator sprung a leak a while back, and since it's still under warranty, they got me another one. However, the replacement was only a 3 row core, instead of a 4 row that I got originally. Thinking that it was just a mistake, they ordered a 2nd one, and it, too, was a 3 row. Both of the two replacement warranty radiators carry the same part number as the orginal 4 row that I purchased.

The store called the radiator manufacturer (and I forget which company it is), and they said that they are no longer making 4 rows, but have switched to 3 rows with bigger tubes. I don't believe them. The two 3 rows I got looked like standard 3 rows to me, and the center core section was visibly smaller than my 4 row. Even if the 3 rows have bigger tubes (which I don't buy), the 3 row is physically smaller, and therefore will hold less coolant than the 4 row. With a cooling system that is minimal already, I'm not willing to install a smaller radiator. Plus, it seems that the 3 rows tend to flex and leak more often than the 4 rows. I imagine that the radiator company simply ran out of suitable 4 row cores.

So down to the question at hand: does anyone have a good online source for 4 row radiators? My supplier is willing to take back my leaking radiator and refund my money, so that's no problem (like I said, they're great to work with!).

Thanks!

Casey

[arveetek]

Does anyone know the GM part numbers for a 4 row radiator for a 1982 C20 diesel? Either auto or manual tranny style will work, as I'm not using either of the built-in coolers. I've got aux. coolers for the engine and tranny oils.

Casey

[mhagie]

Casey, Can't help you with the 4 row but I am interested also as when I did the diesel conversion in the 80 I bought a new Modine radiator for a 400SB or 454HD that ended up being a 3 row that they bragged about it having 1/2" tubes rather that 3/8.
It didn't last a thousand miles and it started leaking on the header plate.
Took it to a local radiator shop and he said the header plate is basicly tissue paper,he soldered it up and said if it leaks again I have to buy a new core.

I am screwed as I got mine from a guy here in town that worked at the local Modine factory, he no longer works there so I am on my own, besides if one Modine has thin header plates they probably all do.

I also will not settle again for a three row, I think their logic is BS, its all about cost savings, the three row will in all likelyhood hold up under normal use but I think it will be less than satisfactory under a decent load.

Merle

[Yukon6.2]

Hi all
I'v been mulling about what to do for a rad as well,when i got my truck it had a new 3 row rad in it,acording to the factory gage it always runs around 200 degrees.I'm hoping the gage is reading high,but am thinking that once my turbo,charge air cooler are added i might have to invest in a better rad.
I remember reading in a post about aluminum racing rads being better at disbersing heat.That is the direction that i would like to explore if anyone knows a shop that builds custom rads,or has used a racing rad.
I was told that modine is out of business,and in Canada all aftermarket rads avilable come from China,which would explaine the poor quality repacements out there.
A good source for a custom rad would be valuable for us straight bodied owners.
So anyone out there that knows one,inquiring minds need to know.
Thanks

[john8662]

Since you're not ordering one to use the coolers, go for the ones w/o them (well, it'll have oil still).

Try other years!

I know what you mean about the different cores, the thicker (4 row) is the way to go. I have the smaller in the '86 and pulling, it isn't adequate. But, my little '82 pickup wouldn't bother getting warm for any pull, but it has the better radiator I discovered...

Keep on them.

I haven't ordered a radiator in a long time (knock on wood), usually have mine repaired locally.

Check some online radiator distributors. Maybe a mention somewhere for heavy duty.

For sure get one specified for a 1-ton truck (civilian not military).

J

[doncannon]

Hello All,

Yes I agree 4 row is the way to go! We have a 5th wheel that we drag around and the 4 row keeps the engine at about 200 even under the heaviest pull. I run a 160 degree thermostat that I got from kennedy diesel and it works well with the stock replacement water pump.

hope this helps,
Don

[arveetek]

I haven't ordered a radiator in a long time (knock on wood), usually have mine repaired locally.



It seems like I had to pull my radiator once a year and get it repaired, so that's why I finally decided to purchase a "new" one. But, this "new" one only lasted 4 or 5 months, so I'm still not any better off.

I'll do some more research and see what I can come up with.

Casey

[DmaxMaverick]

Modine used to mean high quality. I, too, have noticed a serious degrade in their quality, with several issues with heater cores. The last Modine radiator I bought is still solid, after 15 years. It seems their decline began about 5-6 years ago, about the time my heater core issues began. A bean counter must have infected the process somewhere, just like what has happened to the Big-3 over the years. That's what happens when you try to improve your bottom line, at the cost of quality. It happens with just about any product. Once the "New and Improved" label gets added, their fate is sealed.

[tom yuenkel]

I found a place on line called "complete radiator" that is selling a 4 row modine core, I am going to order one myself, I don;t know haow to put up the line but here is the Ph# 1-800-375-7777

[arveetek]

Most of the on-line sources I've run into are advertising 4-rows, but when I call, they seem surprised to find out they only have 3-rows available. I did find one source that builds a custom all aluminum radiator for $569. That's a pretty good chunk of change though. The radiator core is 2.75" thick, and is only 2-row, but the tubes are 1.25" thick. Their thinking is that 2 big tubes are better because of increased fin to tube surface area allowing better heat transfer. Hmmmm...

Tom, I'll check into that source, as I haven't run across that one yet.

Casey

[arveetek]

Tom, I checked with your source, and they do have a good price, but I'm not confident we would get a 4-row. He said it SHOULD be a 4-row, but that some of the recent Modines have come in as the 'updated and improved' 3-row. It's probably a gamble as to which we would receive.

Casey

[HammerWerf]

Arveetek et al,

I bought one last year at Automotive Radiator Service here in Bakersfield for my C-30. Very good core. 4 row, with large tubes, copper and brass. I now have to work at getting it to overheat.

I call the shop and found that the manufacture of the core is Craig Manufacturing. They have distribution points scattered accross the country. The model that I got was CL-4-0 .

They only sell to radiator shops. The 800 number is 800-372-6339, contact is John Burrows ,the fellow ARS deals with. The Rad shop has to contact them for purchase.

Craig Manf. has about 0 web presence, seems to be all by word of mouth.

HammerWerf

[arveetek]

I found a local radiator shop that could guarantee a 4-row radiator for me with a lifetime warranty, but it's $450. I'm starting to lean towards the custom aluminum unit....

Any pros and cons I should be aware about when considering aluminum?

Casey

[TRASHCAN]

I purchased a four core radiator online from radiatorbarn.com two years ago. I was pleased with the quality of the radiator and they also offer free shipping. I am not sure what they are carrying now as far as core size. Might be worth a phone call? Good luck.

[arveetek]

I purchased a four core radiator online from radiatorbarn.com two years ago. I was pleased with the quality of the radiator and they also offer free shipping. I am not sure what they are carrying now as far as core size. Might be worth a phone call? Good luck.

Already tried them, but they can't guarantee me a 4-row. They said it "should" be a 4-row. Decent prices though ($327.07 shipped).

Casey

[arveetek]

So the question now comes down to this: do I get a good quality 4-row copper/brass radiator, or spend another $117 for a 2-row aluminum? That's really the two choices I have right now. Even though the aluminum is only 2-row, it's 2.75" thick, which is acutally a bit thicker than the factory 4-row.

Any thoughts?

Casey

[JeepSJ]

So the question now comes down to this: do I get a good quality 4-row copper/brass radiator, or spend another $117 for a 2-row aluminum? That's really the two choices I have right now. Even though the aluminum is only 2-row, it's 2.75" thick, which is acutally a bit thicker than the factory 4-row.

Any thoughts?

Casey

There is a guy on Ebay that sells aluminum units - look for Northern Auto Parts. We had overheat problems in our El Camino with a "hi efficiency" 3-row and had problems finding a 4, so we tried the aluminum. Total bolt-in. IIRC, it was less than $300. Quality was top. Unit we got was mfg in the USA. He sells direct bolt-in aluminum replacements for Chevy trucks. Not sure of the price for the diesel unit. The Camino stays cool now, even in August in Las Vegas with the A/C blasting and sitting in traffic.

[britannic]

We sell the Modine radiators, they're 4 row and are backed by NAPA's guarantee.

NAPA Modine Radiator (http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NR&PartNumber=2098&Description=Radiator)


I found a local radiator shop that could guarantee a 4-row radiator for me with a lifetime warranty, but it's $450. I'm starting to lean towards the custom aluminum unit....

Any pros and cons I should be aware about when considering aluminum?
Casey

[arveetek]

We sell the Modine radiators, they're 4 row and are backed by NAPA's guarantee.


The description on that particular radiator shows it to be only a 3-row at 2" thick, and that it replaces both 3 and 4-rows. My radiator is 4-row at 2 5/8" thick. This is the problem I keep running into.

Here's the description on that particular radiator:

"Replaces 3 & 4 row cores. Sensor fitting w/ plug & Heater return connection. on R.H. tank. 3/4"-18 UNS adaptors included
Core Size:34" x 18 3/4" x 2" (3 Row)"

Casey

[arveetek]

Well, I picked up a new radiator at a local radiator shop last night. They were able to guarantee me a 4-row, and it is. It was $400 and has a lifetime warranty. Hopefully this will be the last one I need. I'll return my original $300 radiator and then I'll be in good shape.

Just for future reference, if anyone wants an all aluminum radiator, contact Griffin Thermal Products at 800-722-3723. They have a few options, and I was able to negotiate the price down to $517 for a 2.75" thick 2-row core with no oil coolers. If you want the oil coolers, it'll be closer to $600. This unit is supposed to be good up to 600 HP and cool as good as a brass/copper 6-row. I was really tempted, but sometimes you have to save a few dollars....

Casey

[Big Green]

you might check with radiator.com. I've bought a couple of radiators from them in the past and have been pleased with them. Nice people too....

Good luck
Big Green.

[arveetek]

you might check with radiator.com. I've bought a couple of radiators from them in the past and have been pleased with them. Nice people too....

Good luck
Big Green.

I did. They are also in the "yeah we can get a 4-row...oh wait...looks like we can only get the 3-row that 'cools as good as a 4-row'" group.

Casey