Chines Radiators?

[TexasTJ]

What do you guys think Chines Radiators? I'm looking to get a new one for my 300 TDi Disco and I'm having some trouble getting one form the UK. But there are a ton on EbayUK from China. I just wonder about the over all quality.

Nate

 

[luckyjoe]

It is really hard to say without knowing the source of manufacture (i.e. facility). Most heat exchanger manufacturers either have facilities in China, or contract out to Chinese manufacturers. Around 2007 I had a difficult time locating a decent D1 radiator, resulting in my parts supplier providing four different radiators, from three different manufacturers, all in the course of 6 months. The last one came from Nissens A/S and is still running fine.

I'm kind of dreading the point I'll need to find one form my RRC...

 

[Ray_G]

Sometimes its better to find one of those old school dark and smokey places where they can recore your radiator locally vice ordering an unknown quality one-just a thought.
r-
Ray

 

[Red90]

They are crap. Thin tubes and poor soldering.

A local recore is the best option.

 

[TexasTJ]

That's the Problem None of the local shops will touch it. Even the shady ones just want to build a new one for an arm and a leg.

 

[mpinco]

Sometimes its better to find one of those old school dark and smokey places where they can recore your radiator locally .......

Call Tom at All About Radiators. Fully meets the requirements of old school dark and smokey shop. Single lane shop with baths for balance of shop. Tom's been in business for over 25 years, that I know of.

 

[Kevin108]

I've bought 3 for pennies for various vehicles. I have several years on all 3. They seem to be the same quality parts stores are offering.

I wouldn't hesitate to put in a cheap eBay radiator while working on finding a better option.

 

[Blueboy]

I'm looking to get a new one for my 300 TDi Disco and I'm having some trouble getting one form the UK

What are the problems?

 

[TexasTJ]

Working with my eBay seller was I nightmare on the shipping. That being said I think I bought the same radiator from China.

 

[wuntenn]

May not matter to you but many of these Chinese radiators on EbayUK are plastic and metal rather than all metal. I ordered one and the guy assured me it was all metal and when it arrived it had plastic side tanks.

The potential for failure with two differing materials concerned me so I sent it back.

I then realised my local engineering shop (here in Scotland) could do radiators too, so inquired and they were able to get me an all metal one through a 'dark and smoky' UK supplier. Turns out they had as stock items two separate 110 (200tdi) radiators - one with a thin core and another option with a double-thick core. The latter was the one I got. It was about £200 plus Tax. All metal and well made.

If it proves a nightmare any other way I can point you to my local supplier (no connection with them other than being a satisfied customer) and if he can get what you want and you want it shipped I don't mind receiving it and handling it for you and ensuring its properly packed to go across the pond. You can then just arrange & pay for FedEx or UPS uplift and they can collect from me, so we dont need to have any hassle over me handling cash for you.

 

[TexasTJ]

That sound great, I will see what I get from China and if it needs to go back. The Radiator i have right now has plastic side tanks and Has quite a bit of sediment in it.

 

[Red90]

The Radiator i have right now has plastic side tanks and Has quite a bit of sediment in it.

That is why you can't recore. You can't recore plastic tank rads. One of the stupider ideas in the auto industry...

 

[TexasTJ]

Might as well do the fan clutch at the same time. If I'm spindling the time on the thermostat hoses and radiator I might as well get the last major component back to new too. anyone know if the GM fan clutch that works on the V8 fits??? That would make like nice and easy!