Advantages of upgrading radiator?

[chrisc2306]

Just looking for some advice. I was replacing the fan tonight and with it out got a chance to have a good look at the radiator and it is looking a bit tired and I was wondering if there is any advantages to upgrading it when it is still working at the moment? Am I really going to have any benefit from a new one except it being nice and shiny :)

[Hodge]

I think people upgrade radiators, if they're going to be towing or putting a lot of constant load on the engine, even if the original one is still working. Although sometimes if the original one is stuffed, it's not much $ difference to put a better unit in. I think.

[Bloodyaussie]

A good service every now and there does not go astray and it is a good time to visually inspect it for floors... having it sent off to be cleaned inside and out is a good thing and it can be tested at the same time to check for any leaks.

My radiator is only a year old but I just had it cleaned again as I do like to play in the muddy stuff and I also used chemiweld twice in 4 months so thought is needed some love.

[Drewboyaus]

If you're thinking about an aluminium radiator, the jury is out for many on that being a worthwhile upgrade.
Many members I know still prefer a copper core radiator as they seem to be more robust.
I chose to replace the radiator on my TB42e with an OEM equivalent copper core one instead of an ally version based on the recommendations of a number of members and it's rock solid.
Can't say it's the same situation for a diesel though.....

[healy]

Aluminum and plastic tanks are fine in my opinion had them on most cars as a replacement no troubles. But I do have a coper in my car as they f'd up on my order. Bonus for me not so much for them

[liftlid]

I've seen a plastic tank on an 80 series split from end to end car had to be towed out of high country during Easter weekend, imagine that happening in the desert? Copper for me, full service on cooling system every year.

[BillsGU]

I have a 2000 ZD30 auto. A number of people I know have a similar model and they all have had problems with the auto cooler in the radiator failing and allowing water to enter the auto box. Some caught it early and didn't do damage but one resulted in a total rebuild - at huge expense. I decided to renew mine as a matter of caution and as I tow a large off road caravan I decided to go for a heavy duty aluminium radiator. Works great so far.

How old is your radiator? You can have it tested but to do it properly they would have to remove the tanks to see if there is any errosion (especially in the cooling tubes for an auto).

[chrisc2306]

I have a 2000 ZD30 auto. A number of people I know have a similar model and they all have had problems with the auto cooler in the radiator failing and allowing water to enter the auto box. Some caught it early and didn't do damage but one resulted in a total rebuild - at huge expense. I decided to renew mine as a matter of caution and as I tow a large off road caravan I decided to go for a heavy duty aluminium radiator. Works great so far.

How old is your radiator? You can have it tested but to do it properly they would have to remove the tanks to see if there is any errosion (especially in the cooling tubes for an auto).

The radiator I am assuming is the original on the truck (1990). When I bought it the person before me had just filled it with water so I assume internally it is pretty corroded I have since flushed it and filled with coolant. But last night when replacing the fan I notice low down on the inside some of the fins are broken etc and just made me consider just having the whole thing replaced

[threedogs]

If you have the $$ while your Patrol is apart buy a new copper job, as IMO yours will fail soon just due to age.
And who knows where it will fail, also the plastic fans have a habit of cracking and falling to bits , just due to age as well.
So like someone suggested give the whole cooling system a birthday.

[BillsGU]

, also the plastic fans have a habit of cracking and falling to bits , just due to age as well.

Yep - while my radiator was out we noticed cracks in the fan and that was replaced as well. Would not like to see it let go in the middle of the bush - or anywhere at all for that matter!

[chrisc2306]

If you have the $$ while your Patrol is apart buy a new copper job, as IMO yours will fail soon just due to age.
And who knows where it will fail, also the plastic fans have a habit of cracking and falling to bits , just due to age as well.
So like someone suggested give the whole cooling system a birthday.

It was to replace a cracked fan that it gave me a chance to get a good look down the back of the radiator and see that it was looking a bit old and beat up. What are the advantages of a copper one over an alloy or aluminium radiator?

[Bloodyaussie]

Stick with a copper brass one mate...

It is a 10 minute job to take out and have a good look at....

[Ryangtd42]

All depends on the load you put on your rig moderate to heavy load a upgraded radiator is basically a must and I triple core copper brassy i think works the best but you do pay for them but if you don't load her up a rad service/ flush and a check with a cheap temp gun from super cheap is all you need replace the thermostat and cap while ur in there

[BLKWDW]

Whats an average cost for an upgraded copper rad?

[chrisc2306]

Over here in NZ it costs around $550-700 to get a copper radiator whereas an alloy is around $300 and an aluminium about $300-400

[BillsGU]

Over here in NZ it costs around $550-700 to get a copper radiator whereas an alloy is around $300 and an aluminium about $300-400

Not really up with this. Can you tell me what an alloy radiator is?

[chrisc2306]

Not really up with this. Can you tell me what an alloy radiator is?

Not really sure what metal is used in making the alloy but this is one that is listed on trade me here in NZ
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=702487224

[chrisc2306]

Also can someone tell me if there is a big advantage to be had by getting a 3 row core over a 2 row?

[Goldifox]

As a comparison for you, I went with the Terrain Tamer heavy duty aluminium, has made a difference to keeping temps down, but a lot more pricy, around $1,000

[Marmel]

Good to know, not that it gets hot enough in Southland to bother the factory radiator.