I need a new radiator, help me find one please.

[Adul]

Looking for a radiator for a 92 Chrysler Lebaron convertable 3.0 V6. I need a higher capacity radiator to deal with heat in Arizona. This radiator is just to small for this car in this weather. I plan to do the work myself, so I just want to find a good deal on a better radiator.

 

[desertdweller]

All of the larger auto parts stores should carry a radiator for it. For an over sized radiator though
you may need to look at radiator shops, if you can even get an over size radiator for that car.

DD

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: desertdweller
All of the larger auto parts stores should carry a radiator for it. For an over sized radiator though
you may need to look at radiator shops, if you can even get an over size radiator for that car.

DD

thanks. I think it just came with a radiator that was meant for colder climates. At least I seen that happen before. I am trying to find it online, but I may buy it locally if there is a good enough deal.

 

[desertdweller]

I would recommend buying locally because if a mistake is made and you get the wrong part,
which happens alot, you'll be waiting that much longer with sending it back through the
mail. Same thing if it leaks or if it gets damaged in the shipping.

Here is from Checker Auto on-line. They only show one part.

Checker

DD

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: desertdweller
I would recommend buying locally because if a mistake is made and you get the wrong part,
which happens alot, you'll be waiting that much longer with sending it back through the
mail. Same thing if it leaks or if it gets damaged in the shipping.

Here is from Checker Auto on-line. They only show one part.

Checker

DD

Thanks for the advice. I will start looking around for a good radiator then.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Aluminum,

i have a 427 big block Camaro
i had a 3 core Modine radiator,i bought new.
it was not enough,
i bought a "Griffen" aluminum thru Summitracing

was worth the extra $$ it keeps the car much cooler at highway,and slow speeds.

it works!

if link works,stock type,here at your local advance auto


http://www.radiator.com/index.cfm

 

[cavemanmoron]

oh poop i typed in 1990,not 1992

i linked you to the wrong one.


correct year,diff part #

 

[Squisher]

Be aware that the radiator in an eleven year old car may just be plugged. Just getting your radiator recored might be all it takes.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: Squisher
Be aware that the radiator in an eleven year old car may just be plugged. Just getting your radiator recored might be all it takes.

Radiators these days are aluminum cores with plastic tanks and thus are not rebuildable at all. Some vehicles still use the old brass/copper core/tank arrangement but they are few and far between and even they tend to be more expensive to fix than just replace. I suggest you get out the yellow pages for your area and look up auto radiators, you will be surprised at the amount of dealers around. Make a few phone calls and you should be able to find a good replacement for cheap. My 93 SHO radiator was aquired this way and only cost me $110.

 

[Adul]

I appreciate all the feedback guys. The radiator may be plug up, I had not considered that possibility. I did flush the system twice and there is still gunk in there. Even bought the prestone superflush to help clean it out. At this point I rather try and drop in a larger one.

 

[HappyPuppy]

The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

I already replaced the thermostat this past weekend. flushing the heads, sounds like it will get expensive . How would I determine the heads need to be flushed?

 

[HappyPuppy]

Originally posted by: Adul

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

I already replaced the thermostat this past weekend. flushing the heads, sounds like it will get expensive . How would I determine the heads need to be flushed?

Hmmm. This is getting complicated because there are too many "what if's".

Just a suggestion, but why don't you just drive your car into a reputable looking radiator shop, tell the guy in charge what your problem is and ask him what he thinks/suggests. It doesn't cost anything and, being in the business, he may have more insight to the problem than any of us.

To be sure you're getting good advice, you can do this at 2 or 3 shops.

Advice and estimates are free.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy

Originally posted by: Adul

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

I already replaced the thermostat this past weekend. flushing the heads, sounds like it will get expensive . How would I determine the heads need to be flushed?

Hmmm. This is getting complicated because there are too many "what if's".

Just a suggestion, but why don't you just drive your car into a reputable looking radiator shop, tell the guy in charge what your problem is and ask him what he thinks/suggests. It doesn't cost anything and, being in the business, he may have more insight to the problem than any of us.

To be sure you're getting good advice, you can do this at 2 or 3 shops.

Advice and estimates are free.

Looks like tomorrow will be bsuy for me before work. Thanks for all the feed back guys.

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.;

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

You sure about that?
Wouldn't a stuck open thermostat cause the engine to run too cool?

 

[IGBT]

Kragen sells aluminum replacements...

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: Cyberian

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.;

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

You sure about that?
Wouldn't a stuck open thermostat cause the engine to run too cool?

I wish it would run cool

 

[Walleye]

i gots a 2 core radiator for my camry, works well.

 

[Thegonagle]

If it's original, it's surely not cooling as effectively as when it was new. I'd just go to Napa and buy a Modine replacement. It will meet or exceed OEM quality and capacity.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Originally posted by: Cyberian

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
The water passages in your block and heads could be plugged up, as well. A radiator shop can power flush the block/heads. I think they use an acid solution.

Another thing, your thermostat may not be opening, or it may be stuck wide open, both of which can cause overheating.;

Lots of possibilities.

I would start by having a radiator shop flush the radiator, block and heads. I would then drop a new thermostat in and see how it does.

You sure about that?
Wouldn't a stuck open thermostat cause the engine to run too cool?

Absolutely. If the thermostat is stuck wide open the water circulates through the radiator too fast and not enough heat is removed. I've seen it happen on many diesels and gas engines. The latest was my wife's Intrepid. It would run fine until I started climbing a grade and then it would overheat. When I took it to the mechanic and told him to change the thermostat he argued with me and claimed it couldn't be stuck open. I told him to change it and if I was wrong I would foot the bill. When he pulled it out he was amazed that it was frozen in the wide open position.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
If it's original, it's surely not cooling as effectively as when it was new. I'd just go to Napa and buy a Modine replacement. It will meet or exceed OEM quality and capacity.

modine is only a brand name,
they are also kind of high priced..

the $275 modine radiator i put in my Camaro cooled it no better than the
$175 no name i removed.

The $expensive aluminum one did,and still does;and was worth the money.All i changed was the radiator,the temp guage,thewater pump,and thermostat,180f,were all left the same,as i was trying to
change only one thing at a time.

Don't forget to add a can/bottle of water pump lube,when you change your radiator.

Some places are making replacment aluminum radiators,that are the same size
as the stock type radiators,and if you can afford it its worth the extra $.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
If it's original, it's surely not cooling as effectively as when it was new. I'd just go to Napa and buy a Modine replacement. It will meet or exceed OEM quality and capacity.

modine is only a brand name,
they are also kind of high priced..

the $275 modine radiator i put in my Camaro cooled it no better than the
$175 no name i removed.

The $expensive aluminum one did,and still does;and was worth the money.All i changed was the radiator,the temp guage,thewater pump,and thermostat,180f,were all left the same,as i was trying to
change only one thing at a time.

Don't forget to add a can/bottle of water pump lube,when you change your radiator.

Some places are making replacment aluminum radiators,that are the same size
as the stock type radiators,and if you can afford it its worth the extra $.

I didn't know about the lube. Thanks for the tip