Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
just rather put something new in than mess around with
patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
it myself a shot.

That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
substantial difference other than ease of installation?

The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).

Any opinions/recommendations?

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Pete from Boston wrote:
> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
> just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
> it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>

I bought one (plastic) with a lifetime guarantee, and it needed re-done
(by me) a few years later. They gave me a new one without any problems.
KEEP the receipt. bob

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Pete from Boston wrote:
> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
> just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
> it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>

I bought one (plastic) with a lifetime guarantee, and it needed re-done
(by me) a few years later. They gave me a new one without any problems.
KEEP the receipt. bob

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Pete from Boston wrote:
> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
> just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
> it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>

I bought one (plastic) with a lifetime guarantee, and it needed re-done
(by me) a few years later. They gave me a new one without any problems.
KEEP the receipt. bob

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

"Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:

> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
> doing it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>



All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
harder to locate.

An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
to a greater probability of fractures.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

"Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:

> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
> doing it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>



All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
harder to locate.

An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
to a greater probability of fractures.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

"Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:

> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
> doing it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>



All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
harder to locate.

An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
to a greater probability of fractures.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Indeed I was surprised how loose radiators are these days. My father
destroyed the front of his 2004 Saturn. After it was fixed I was checking
it over and I couldn't believe how loose the radiator was. I brought the
car back and they said it was right the way it was. I drove over to Saturn
dealer and checked the new ones out..... yep.... they are loose all right.


"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns9835CD9F39D9tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
> news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:
>
>> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
>> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
>> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
>> doing it myself a shot.
>>
>> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>>
>> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>>
>> Any opinions/recommendations?
>>
>
>
>
> All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
> harder to locate.
>
> An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
> When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
> the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
> and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
> to a greater probability of fractures.
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Indeed I was surprised how loose radiators are these days. My father
destroyed the front of his 2004 Saturn. After it was fixed I was checking
it over and I couldn't believe how loose the radiator was. I brought the
car back and they said it was right the way it was. I drove over to Saturn
dealer and checked the new ones out..... yep.... they are loose all right.


"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns9835CD9F39D9tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
> news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:
>
>> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
>> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
>> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
>> doing it myself a shot.
>>
>> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>>
>> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>>
>> Any opinions/recommendations?
>>
>
>
>
> All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
> harder to locate.
>
> An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
> When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
> the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
> and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
> to a greater probability of fractures.
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Indeed I was surprised how loose radiators are these days. My father
destroyed the front of his 2004 Saturn. After it was fixed I was checking
it over and I couldn't believe how loose the radiator was. I brought the
car back and they said it was right the way it was. I drove over to Saturn
dealer and checked the new ones out..... yep.... they are loose all right.


"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns9835CD9F39D9tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "Pete from Boston" <masspete@my-deja.com> wrote in
> news:1157436655.192738.21030@74g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com:
>
>> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and
>> I'd just rather put something new in than mess around with
>> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give
>> doing it myself a shot.
>>
>> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>>
>> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>>
>> Any opinions/recommendations?
>>
>
>
>
> All-aluminum is best. If you can find one these days. They're getting
> harder to locate.
>
> An important point to remember is that the rad MUST be free-floating.
> When the upper mounts are bolted down, the rad should be LOOSE even when
> the engine is hot. It should wiggle very easily. If it is snugly mounted
> and not easily movable, excessive stress is placed on the tanks, leading
> to a greater probability of fractures.
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

anytime I can avoid a plastic tank radiator its a good thing


On 4 Sep 2006 23:10:55 -0700, "Pete from Boston"
<masspete@my-deja.com> wrote:

>I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
>just rather put something new in than mess around with
>patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
>it myself a shot.
>
>That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
>The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
>Any opinions/recommendations?
-----------
Elbert
ask@me.com

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

anytime I can avoid a plastic tank radiator its a good thing


On 4 Sep 2006 23:10:55 -0700, "Pete from Boston"
<masspete@my-deja.com> wrote:

>I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
>just rather put something new in than mess around with
>patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
>it myself a shot.
>
>That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
>The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
>Any opinions/recommendations?
-----------
Elbert
ask@me.com

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

anytime I can avoid a plastic tank radiator its a good thing


On 4 Sep 2006 23:10:55 -0700, "Pete from Boston"
<masspete@my-deja.com> wrote:

>I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
>just rather put something new in than mess around with
>patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
>replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
>already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
>it myself a shot.
>
>That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
>tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
>with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
>mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
>substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
>The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
>but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
>info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
>Any opinions/recommendations?
-----------
Elbert
ask@me.com

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Pete from Boston wrote:
> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
> just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
> it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>
there's nothing wrong with plastic, provided two conditions are met:

1. as tegger says, it needs to be loosely mounted.
2. there needs to be normal pressure in the system, not excess due to a
leaking head gasket.

regarding 2, a lot of times, radiators are replaced because of
"overheating". a low level head gasket leak can persist for a long
time, with the chemical and pressure stress that places on the system.
if a radiator cracks under those conditions because a prompt and
effective diagnosis of the root cause was not made, i don't think
there's a huge amount to complain about.

fyi, plastic/aluminum are a great combo for internal corrosion
resistance and seal persistence - that's why they're used. just make
sure you don't buy the cheapest one and you should be ok.

Re: Plastic vs. aluminum radiator
 

Pete from Boston wrote:
> I need a new radiator in my 90 Accord (155K) -- ridiculous leak and I'd
> just rather put something new in than mess around with
> patching/welding. I've been reading through a lot of radiator
> replacement discussions in here and given the amount of time I've
> already spent looking at and playing with it, I'm willing to give doing
> it myself a shot.
>
> That said, I'm wondering about the pros/cons of plastic and aluminum
> tanks. Having had leaks on two plastic-tanked radiators, I'd rather go
> with aluminum if that's going to tend to develop leaks less. Someone
> mentioned aluminum being heavier -- is this going to make any
> substantial difference other than ease of installation?
>
> The prices on the ones I'm seeing listed on line are all reasonable,
> but I don't see a lot of detailed info on one vs. another (which is
> info much more in abundance on this group, thankfully).
>
> Any opinions/recommendations?
>
there's nothing wrong with plastic, provided two conditions are met:

1. as tegger says, it needs to be loosely mounted.
2. there needs to be normal pressure in the system, not excess due to a
leaking head gasket.

regarding 2, a lot of times, radiators are replaced because of
"overheating". a low level head gasket leak can persist for a long
time, with the chemical and pressure stress that places on the system.
if a radiator cracks under those conditions because a prompt and
effective diagnosis of the root cause was not made, i don't think
there's a huge amount to complain about.

fyi, plastic/aluminum are a great combo for internal corrosion
resistance and seal persistence - that's why they're used. just make
sure you don't buy the cheapest one and you should be ok.