$400 CSF Radiator Poorly Packaged – Send Back or Keep? (5 Viewers)

[CrazyCruiser94]

Howdy all. This might be a dumb post, but I just received a CSF copper radiator I ordered from RockAuto for my 80. When I opened the box, it looked like a styrofoam bomb went off. The radiator was wedged between four worn pieces of styrofoam, with no plastic wrapping—just bare radiator against the packing and box.

Once out of the box, I noticed chunks of styrofoam stuck between the fins that I couldn’t fully remove with a vacuum. My main concern is whether styrofoam could have gotten inside the radiator itself and could potentially end up lodged in the cooling passages in the engine.

Am I overreacting, or is this fair grounds to send it back and demand a replacement? For an almost $400 part, I expected it to be packaged with more care.

 

[Rifleman]

This seems to be the state of shipping/packaging now a days no matter where you order parts from. In fact the packaging from Toyota for a brand new factory radiator is NOT any better, ask me how i know. Below is a photo of the factory Toyota packaging that my 400 dollar radiator came in. To say that the radiator got beat to crap inside this box while in transit would be an understatement.

 

[Kernal]

The Styrofoam bits will cling to the radiator due to static electricity, you could try something like painter's tape, sections of tape applied to the areas with the white bits then pull the tape it off.

Might also try a light misting of water (not high pressure) with the radiator sitting on it's side being careful not to damage the tubes/fins.

Do you see any bits inside the radiator or in the smaller cooler pipes at the bottom?

Were there any caps/covers over any of the openings/pipes?

 

[LongDuck]

I'd put the air nozzle on my compressor, blow it off, and get to installing it as long as there's no obvious mechanical damage. But thats me,

 

[CrazyCruiser94]

This seems to be the state of shipping/packaging now a days no matter where you order parts from. In fact the packaging from Toyota for a brand new factory radiator is NOT any better, ask me how i know. Below is a photo of the factory Toyota packaging that my 400 dollar radiator came in. To say that the radiator got beat to crap inside this box while in transit would be an understatement.
View attachment 3974682

What a shame really. I know for some it doesn't matter but for the few of us who have put lots of hard work and $$$ into our vehicles it sucks seeing the state in which the parts arrive. ESPECIALLY from Toyota themselves. I wonder how much of this mechanics see and keep quite about haha

 

[CrazyCruiser94]

The Styrofoam bits will cling to the radiator due to static electricity, you could try something like painter's tape, sections of tape applied very gently to the areas with the white bits then pull the tape it off.

Might also try a light misting of water (not high pressure) with the radiator sitting carefully on it's side.

Do you see any bits inside the radiator or in the smaller cooler pipes at the bottom?

Were there any caps/covers over any of the openings/pipes?

That's the difficult part is knowing whether or not there are small bits lodged inside. From the immediate view into the inflow/outflow you can't see much but again who knows if there's none deeper. And no it's unfortunate they should have at least placed caps on all the openings. bummer. thinking I might send back and try my luck with a replacement.

 

[SpenserAK]

I ordered a Koyo for my 80 a few years ago that was also poorly boxed from the factory, and sustained impact damage that made the unit untrustworthy. They didn't hesitate to replace it, but we did have a conversation about adding additional protection. Replacement arrived in good condition.

I replaced the radiator in my '98 4Runner last year, OEM through the dealer, and although it arrived undamaged, it was wild how little they tried to protect it in the box.

 

[LongDuck]

The packaging only has to be good enough to get it where it needs to go without damage. If the radiator isn't damaged, then Mission Accomplished. Otherwise, you'd be paying $500 for a radiator that arrived in a Pelican case.

Remember that this radiator is going to be mudded up and dirty in less than a week. The abuse it's going to get hanging in the front of your truck is the hardest life it's going to see - and then,... you'll buy another one and throw this one in the recycle bin.

Let's not get sentimental, .

 

[Saito]

Betcha it’d arrive in pristine shape if it came from Partsouq. Everything I’ve received from them has been well packaged. Almost overly so.