Hey guys I am having some issues with the aluminum radiator the PO installed on my 91. I am trying to figure out what brand and model this radiator is but I can't find a name anywhere on it. I am hoping maybe someone can recognize it? Thanks guys
Name the radiator
- Thread starter leonard_nemoy
- Start date
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NLXTACY
Wits' End
It kinda looks like a Ron Davis
Could be a Davis. The shroud looks a bit crude however..
look at the side tank, if it is a Ron Davis, it will have the logo engraved on it like the one i recently acquired for the 3FE
The upper shroud mounting points I see on your radiator look much better than the OP's radiator.
so to answer your question, it does not look like a RD radiator unfortunately.
I am certain that radiator from the OP is not a Ron Davis.
what exactly is the problem you are having with this unit?
NLXTACY
Wits' End
Well, it depends how old it is.
If it is like me,
it is old enough to know better but too dumb to do anything about it................
CaptClose
SILVER Star
My general rule of thumb when it comes to mission critical components.. if in doubt, take it out. Then replace it with something you trust.
Stay away from the CSF all metal brass/copper unit, that is all i gotta say. ask me how i know. =)
- Thread starter
- #12
I got in a wreck 2 years ago and one of the welds broke where the radiator bracket meets the tank. I got it welded and it has been fine until now. Earlier this week I just noticed two more welds have broke. I tried to get the new cracks welded but the idiot welder burned a hole in the tank so now the radiator leaks. I either need to pull it and try to get it repaired with a tig welder or just replace it with a new one, But I am worried that the PO may have done something so custom that I wont be able to replace the radiator with a different radiator. I have only had the truck 4 years and the radiator was replaced right before I got the truck. It had always cooled really well.
To summarize: The vehicle was in a collision and the radiator was damaged. Instead of replacing it (like it should have been, quite frankly) it was field-repaired and put back in service.
At this point the "correct" thing to do would be to replace it. It may be possible to get it to seal up but how much are you willing to bet on that?
At this point the "correct" thing to do would be to replace it. It may be possible to get it to seal up but how much are you willing to bet on that?
- Thread starter
- #14
It didn't break in the wreck. It happened about 3 months after the wreck. I think the core support is bent and that's why it broke. The weld that broke 2 years ago and got repaired is still good. Now 2 other welds have also broke. They have all been on the corners of the radiator where the tank is welded to the mounting bracket. The radiator worked great and did not leak before the idiot welder melted a hole in it. A competent welder should be able to adequately repair a 3 year old aluminum radiator. I would love a new radiator but I have a week long trip planned and I can't find a replacement radiator in time. Also I am a broke college student so money is a factor. I am also concerned because if the current radiator wasn't designed for the fj80 then who knows what the PO did to make it fit the cruiser. Did he modify the cruiser and will I be able to install say a csf2709 in the truck now? If I could find out what radiator he used I could probably just swap that same one in. I am sorry if my first response isn't to throw piles of cash I don't have at my problems. According to this logic all these fj80s should be scraped and traded for hybrids instead of getting repaired every other month ( quite frankly )
Quite frankly 80 Series Land Cruisers are a less than optimal vehicle of choice for broke college students. As new they were the flagship vehicle in the Toyota lineup. High-end vehicles take high-end money. Even when they are over 20 years old.
I sincerely wish you did not have this problem and I am sorry that you have to deal with it.
80 Series Land Cruisers are a less than optimal vehicle of choice for broke college students. As new they were the flagship vehicle in the Toyota lineup. High-end vehicles take high-end money. Even when they are over 20 years old.I sincerely wish you did not have this problem and I am sorry that you have to deal with it.
I'd suspect the current radiator needs to be removed and drained to be repaired regardless so why not yank it and then you'll be able to compare to other pictures if indeed anything has been done to modify your rig to fit it or not?
Do you still have the PO''s number? It may be worth txting them.
And by competent welder you mean someone that can tig aluminum, who's time is more valuable than that rad unless you're friends...
2 options I see, look at every alloy rad and try tofind that exact one, or go back to an oem style rad/shrooud/etc.
You're going to be hard pressed to get a non amazon-prime rad to your house and replace it for your trip.
And by competent welder you mean someone that can tig aluminum, who's time is more valuable than that rad unless you're friends...
2 options I see, look at every alloy rad and try tofind that exact one, or go back to an oem style rad/shrooud/etc.
You're going to be hard pressed to get a non amazon-prime rad to your house and replace it for your trip.
i agree with GSTMike. Yank the current radiator and compare. There are 4 stock mounting points and would be easily be identified if they have been modified or not. Most aftermarket radiators reuse the stock fan shroud and fan clutch. I would suggest try to get a professional shop to fix your current unit if possible as aftermarket radiator options for the 3FE is few and far between. I would hate for you to spend the money for a CSF + a stock fan shroud to only find out down the road that it doesnt cool as well as your current alum. version. Good luck, i am in the midst of replacing mine as we speak.
- Thread starter
- #19
Thats the plan, I am halfway done pulling it and will finish this afternoon. I found a custom buggy shop and their welder said he tig welds custom radiators and gas tanks and said he could fix it right up. When I finish getting it out I will post pics of the radiator and the truck so hopefully someone can telll me if the cruiser has been modified to fit this radiator or not.
- Thread starter
- #20
Exactly, the current radiator does an amazing job cooling.
