Which replacement radiator?

H

Honolulu

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Hello all:

My original copper radiator is losing fins, and leaking a bit at the tank seam on one side. About five years ago I watched the old pro remove the tank and rod it out, then resolder everything back together. I've had at re-soldering the tank seam a couple times but am thinking that maybe it's the end for this rad.

Latest adventure was overheating on the way home with the daughter. I was able to pull off the freeway, refill and bleed. Thanks to somebody (not home at the time) whose garden hose I used. Your hose helped me considerably. It's still there.

Some years back, I replaced a plastic tank radiator (spare me the commentary on those) in my E28 533i, for $160. did it a year ago on the wife's '98 MB C280. The 533i got a new radiator for $160. Compare to $500 or so to recore the copper, if it can be found. Remember that I'm in Hawaii, so add Zone 8 shipping from anywhere.

The original radiator, while and when it holds coolant, is just fine with the new tstat and new water pump. I don't run AC, and drive mainly to/from work. Honolulu temps average in the mid to upper 80s, and very seldom go into the low 90s. Sorry for those whose climates are not so moderate.

I can get wholesale prices locally through a friend in the business, but I've searched the tech archive for which later radiator will fit. Open to suggestions... is it one from an E12, E28, E32 or ....? I anticipate some creativity with the hoses may be needed.

TIA
Honolulu
 
Do you have a local shop that can put in a triple, high fin density core? I just had mine done and the temp won't go above 1/3 with a/c on in 95 degree weather - worth every dime of the $350.
 
okay...

Mine doesn't go above 1/3 on the gage either - when it holds water. It has a new 73 degree tstat and new water pump, none of which are any good if there's no coolant.

Yes we have radiator shops here in Honolulu, either of which would probably recore for more than I want to pay.

But for 30% their price, I can get an all new rad, and I'm definitely one frugal guy.

Heck if I had the triple core in hand, I'd do it myself. Nothing more to it really, than heating the old solder to melt, blow it out with the air gun, repeat along both tank seams until the tanks come off. Then clean the joint, flux it well, and solder in the new core. I've watched this being done when my current rad was rodded, and I'm not without some familiarity if not competence with a torch. Not to mention full of confidence, which might turn out to be misplaced.
 
Bubba is running Kurts biz now- that said a new radiator can be had here for under 200 bucks. I wouldn't get near a old used radiator.
 
'k, thanks

I take it the early 528i radiator is the one to have. I will ponder prices with shipping, this can distort things greatly. "Free shipping" advertises is almost always CONUS only. Drat.
 
Adam,

I have their first radiator built for the 3.0 CS. It works great. The look and welding does not have the precision look of the stock unit (the welding could be a bit nicer looking) but you only see the top portion. My engine bay is not quite original anyhow. Jason, at Nameless, is a good guy to deal with.
 
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