Is there a preferred radiator manufacturer?
07-15-2005, 05:50 PM
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Is there a preferred radiator manufacturer?
The copper radiator in my 88 5000CSTQ has sprung a leak. It appears that the typical aftermarket distributors (Worldpac and IMC) offer only aluminum with plastic endtank radiators.
A mechanic friend recommends Valeo brand radiators (OEM mfrs for BMW, aluminum and plastic, and distributed by IMC).
Any other recommendations?
A mechanic friend recommends Valeo brand radiators (OEM mfrs for BMW, aluminum and plastic, and distributed by IMC).
Any other recommendations?
07-15-2005, 07:29 PM
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Modine with copper ends $220 at NAPA
Just pointing out they exist, can be had for around $220 form NAPA last time I checked. I dont know how good they are, but if you dont like the idea of a $500 radiator or plactic end caps thats the way i'd go.
07-16-2005, 05:36 AM
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Rec'd your email on this too.
Forgot you had an all metal one, do you know where the leak is? If at a seam you can braze it, or JB weld it.
I bought my all metal radiator at AutoZone for $150. The small leak that developed at a seam a few years ago is holding well with JB weld.
When I had the front end of the A4 off doing the T belt, IIRC, that radiator was a Valeo too. Whoever the supplier, it's aluminum and plastic.
I bought my all metal radiator at AutoZone for $150. The small leak that developed at a seam a few years ago is holding well with JB weld.
When I had the front end of the A4 off doing the T belt, IIRC, that radiator was a Valeo too. Whoever the supplier, it's aluminum and plastic.
07-16-2005, 06:08 AM
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When did you buy your Modine with metal end tanks?
Reason I ask is that when I did a radiator replacement on my car 3+ years ago, I ordered a Modine specifically due to the fatter core than the other aftermarket rads. When it arrived, yes it was a Modine, but it had plastic end tanks.
When I called Modine at their corporate headquarters, they said they stopped making the all metal rad for the 5000 series, just curious if they started making them again.
When I called Modine at their corporate headquarters, they said they stopped making the all metal rad for the 5000 series, just curious if they started making them again.
07-16-2005, 06:24 AM
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Re: Is there a preferred radiator manufacturer?
From what I've read the OEM plastic end tanks lasted for the most part a decade or so. So the replacement should be the same.
Listers at Audifans.com have had issues with the Nissen metal, flaky paint, bad threads on retainer nuts spot welded onto the tank. A general hassle.
The Nissen has a picture at quattro123.com, in 200 section, scroll to the bottom - below the avant photos, when the site comes back up.......
HTH
Listers at Audifans.com have had issues with the Nissen metal, flaky paint, bad threads on retainer nuts spot welded onto the tank. A general hassle.
The Nissen has a picture at quattro123.com, in 200 section, scroll to the bottom - below the avant photos, when the site comes back up.......
HTH
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