Low cost Radiators.

[DJS]

I have a 92 GQ 4.2D with a DTS turbo setup.
Like I hear with most 4.2's, the thing gets warm when I'm going up the F3 with a load on a warm day.
I often put a lot of weight in the thing which seems to make it warm up on freeway runs on not too cool days. Not excessively but then I haven't had it out on a 35o day yet wither and am a little worried what will happen if I do.

I bought one of those aftermarket radiators off Fleabay for my sons ( Non patrol) car about a year ago from a place out near Blacktown. Can't remember the name now.
The thing was double the core thickness of the original in it and came with a 3 year warranty for $100. It fitted perfect and seemed well made.

The car gets to thermo temp and never moves, even on the hottest of days we have had during some memorable ones last summer. It was clearly a superior unit to the OEM one which was not that old but needed replacing due to an altercation my son had with a road sign.

I'm wondering if anyone has tried these Cheapy/ Chinese radiators in patrols and if they cure the problem of them warming up? I saw the place I bought the other one from has them for patrols and they look good and beefy.

I know I could go spend a grand on some super monster thing but thats not what I'm interested in.
Just want to know if there are any good Chinese rads out there that will help keep the truck cool.
The rad in it now is about 10 years old and is a conventional copper type where the ones I have seen all appear to be ally. I don't do any 4wding other than the very occasional cruise down a beach so bush bash strength isn't a concern.

I have also heard that some Commodore V8 radiators can be fitted to the patrols and they do a good job of keeping the things cool and are a cheap and effective option.
Anyone done this and have any experience with how well they work and what is involved in fitting the things?

Thanks.

[Clunk]

sorrt mate, cant help with your question but welcome to the forum

[NissanGQ4.2]

Although its not mandatory we do encourage new members to introduce themselves 2 the community here: http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?2-Introductions

You may find more people willing 2 reply 2 a question once an intro has been done.

Have you had your radiator looked at? Could be blocked, might just need a rodding. I would spend the money fixing the original one rather than spend it on a cheap ebay one.

[DJS]

Thanks for the suggestion of having the old one looked at. Given the folklore is that the 4.2's overheat, I was thinking that the OEM rads may not be up to the task and a different one may help?
I spose the question would come down to if these vehicles overheated when they were 2 YO rather than the 20+ they are now.

[NissanGQ4.2]

I dare say when it was knew it never overheated, I have a 4.2 petrol with blocked one blocked core and running thermo fans without a decent shroud and yes in summer stop starting it gets hot but when freeway driving its fine. Winter is ok stop starting. I think its holding up well not overheating considering

[BigRAWesty]

Engineers don't design cars to have faults. Sure some issues creep up, but 9/10 it's due to maintenance.
Have to cooling system looked at and cleaned and you will have no issues..

But also remember that cars have their limits, and over exerting them will end badly.

A bit like people putting in different temp thermostats..?? Why??
Again, engineers done plan shoit to fail, and they make things certain ways for reasons. If you lower you engine by 5 degrees then your asking for trouble..

[happygu]

DJ,

My 4.2 Patrol with a Safari Turbo, used to always sit on just over 1/3 on the gauge, but if I pushed it really hard, or pushed it up a steep hill, the gauge would move to the 3/4 mark ( where it would freak me out ) but it never actually overheated, and we went everywhere in that truck.

The water jackets in the early silver tops weren't made to dissipate the extra heat well, but the motors are one of the strongest Nissan ever produced.

Mine lasted over 12 years in my ownership like that, and was still running fantastic when I sold it.

Mic