Does this look like a 250,000 mile radiator? (1 Viewer)

[surfj40]

This is the bottom tank (removed with cutting tool) of a 250k mile radiator from my 97.

I expected to see some sludge...but this looks good to me!?

Wondering if the PO had it replaced at some time....but the plastic looked pretty bad/old to me. What do you think?

The upper tank seal was leaking, and I had also broke the return nipple off, was experiencing some elevated temp gauge reading.

Replaced it with a new 93/94 unit from CDan.
Also replaced fan clutch oil with 10k (eaton).

 

[turbocruiser]

It could be the original one; when I replaced my stock radiator with my Ron Davis Racing Radiator I was amazed that there was 0 sludge anywhere. Some rigs sludge, some rigs don't and I have no hint why other than possibly the argument about casting sand and silt left in the block.

 

[ShawnTRD]

"Ron Davis Racing Radiator"
How much was that, and how does it compare to stock?

 

[scoop]

I put in a Kayo. Just like oem. 225.00 on ebay including shipping

 

[McDowra]

"Ron Davis Racing Radiator"
How much was that, and how does it compare to stock?

...X2

 

[turbocruiser]

First I'll start by saying the RDR is overkill for Normally Aspirated (NA) rigs but to answer the question it wasn't inexpensive at about $650 IIRC. However it has incredibly huge cooling capacity, is all metal, and is beautifully well built. I chose it for two primary purposes: 1 I wanted more cooling capacity for the turbo and 2 I wanted to get rid of the plastic tanks and plastic bypass piece. For me it was well worth it however it really is overkill. For 99.99% of folks I recommend the replacement from cruisderdan (CU or AL whatever is your preference) and for 100% of folks I recommend avoiding other aftermarket radiators because out of experience on other rigs I found they fail so frequently. HTH.

Edit: I haven't heard anything bad about Koyo but the others out there are troublesome IMHO.