SK8R SURFR 510 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Hi there, any of you running a Champion Radiator have this Prob? I Have an older all Aluminum radiator and after a good drive I notice when parked that there is a few coolant drips under the car. Looks like a small leak coming from the bottom of the radiator on the Pass side lower corner. Travels along frame rail and core support and drips down. So I decided to take out the radiator to inspect it. Looks like it could be leaking from the very bottom fins where my finger nail is pointing. Like along the 1/4" aluminum edge/channel inside. Also all along the bottom core support was a bit damp and car paint peeling away where the radiator rests on. Guess I can take it in to a Radiator shop and have them pressure test it to see where exactly the leak is coming from.... Wonder if it can be fixed... I think Champion offers a lifetime warranty on their radiators. I'll call them and ask.. Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Holy cow, did you dredge that off the bottom of the Salton Sea? That's one crusty looking radiator. Aluminum radiators don't have the same life expectancy as a copper or brass radiator. And then in the aluminum category, the quality is all over the place. Some are good, some are not. If you have bad grounds in your electrical system, if you're not using distilled water, if you're not using coolant, your aluminum radiator will develop corrosion and leaks. It's probably not repairable, but your only shot is to bring it to a radiator shop and have them give the final word. 3 Quote Link to comment
SK8R SURFR 510 Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Holy cow, did you dredge that off the bottom of the Salton Sea? That's one crusty looking radiator. Aluminum radiators don't have the same life expectancy as a copper or brass radiator. And then in the aluminum category, the quality is all over the place. Some are good, some are not. If you have bad grounds in your electrical system, if you're not using distilled water, if you're not using coolant, your aluminum radiator will develop corrosion and leaks. It's probably not repairable, but your only shot is to bring it to a radiator shop and have them give the final word. Haha, Was in the Car when I purchased it, so who knows what its gone through. Gonna have it pressure tested, but will prob buy another. Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Is it just me or are these Aluminum radiators cheaply made. 3 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Yeah I have one and I check it on every drive....with all the bad reviews I just don't trust it...koyo is much much better for only $20-$30 more... Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Yes, they are crap. But there are companies that do make good aluminum radiators. Griffin is one of those companies. Afco, sort of. Be Cool is another good one. Good quality aluminum radiators are not cheap either. Expect to pay between $500 and $1500. EDIT: I'm referring to custom radiators. OEM's are different. Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Got lucky with Modine replacement (brass) on Ebay. I almost bought one of those Alum rad and heard so many bad reviews. Quote Link to comment
EastBay521 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 ive had mine for about a year with no complaints Quote Link to comment
EastBay521 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 except for the o-ring on the drain plug is shit and cracked from the heat right away. But it has not leaked yet. I have a high heat one in my toolbox for when it does. It should probably be in the glove box.. 1 Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Its not just this forum, heard also on ol skool mustang forums and from friends, did not want to take that chance. 1 Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 I use cheap aluminum radiators all the time, but I also use good OEM coolant. The vehicles I use them on are generally highly modified where no other option (other than full custom) will work. No problems so far. Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Koyo two row have good reviews. I need to swap to distilled water though.. for sure. The champions have several bad reviews from users on this forum. 1 Quote Link to comment
john510 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Ive got a Champion radiator in the 510.Three years old and looks brand new.No issues but i filled it with distilled water and Prestone.Somebody abused that radiator.I would never trust it the way it looks. 1 Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Then its a hit and miss w champion. Did not want to take that chance, specialy for a Dd. Quote Link to comment
shacks510 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Koyo two row have good reviews.I concur. I thought the Koyos were four row. I was shocked when I got mine and it was two, but they're like an inch wide, so there's tons of surface area. Been running one on my LZ22 and it stays at 170* on hot days, even cooler when it's cool out. 2 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 That's what I'll be buying soon, have it there ready for when eventually my champion fails... Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 The newer OEM's use what they call a high efficiency core. Not as thick, but larger tubes and more fins. 1 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 The newer OEM's use what they call a high efficiency core. Not as thick, but larger tubes and more fins. Hmm will have to take a look at them, thanks for the input! Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 yep. heard them Koyo rads are good. What about mishimoto brand? Quote Link to comment
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