Which Brand of Radiator Do You Recommend?

Madhelpermonkey · Post by **Madhelpermonkey** » 09 Jun 2012, 18:04

I believe I need a new radiator. Not sure what to buy. I have a 1996 850 Sedan non turbo, auto trans.

I seem Nissens and Behr at FCP. CryoMax at IPD. What is you experience on fit and lifespan?
I also see FCP says to get a kit for my trans cooler lines. Is this necessary and, if yes, if the FCP kit ok?

Also have you ever seen the radiatirs fins crumble off when you touch them? This is what is happening to me.

Thank you,

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Jun 2012, 18:30

Nissens and Behr are both very good quality. Avoid the IPD one.

I used a Nissens a few years ago and it's a direct fit. No complaints thus far - just be careful to not over tighten your clamps reinstalling the hoses.

Since you'll be replacing upper and lower radiator hoses (hint hint), avoid the URO replacements - they will squish and leak.

jonesboy1983 · Post by **jonesboy1983** » 09 Jun 2012, 20:14

I may be wrong but I believe the Behr has a better designed drain petcock that is less prone to snapping than the Nissens. That may make it easier for draining coolant rather than pulling the lower hose every time.

Post by **chill75** » 09 Jun 2012, 21:52

As noone else has mentioned the xmsn cooler lines kit, in my experience you would be best to get it.
The OE ones (and others??) become brittle/crack up due to the heat etc. Can't speak for any particular
brand.

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 Jun 2012, 08:19

The Nissens has a better designed petcock than the OEM Valeo radiator for sure (maybe thats what youre thinking of?) It's a plug you just twist to open.

And yes, as mentioned above you will need to replace the o-ring on each of the cooler lines, and probably the rusted out clamps that hold those lines in as well. Turbo models have 4 cooler lines; non turbos have 2.

Post by **JRL** » 10 Jun 2012, 16:29

I've installed a couple of NISSANS, they've been just fine

Madhelpermonkey · Post by **Madhelpermonkey** » 11 Jun 2012, 06:02

Thanks to all for your input. No one addressed the crumbling fin issue

"Also have you ever seen the radiator fins crumble off when you touch them?"

This is most unusual i have never seen this before.

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 11 Jun 2012, 06:58

You didn't ask about tools, but I'll throw it out there. You'll need snap-ring pliers for the cooler line clamps.

When putting the new O-rings on, I find it easier to put the smaller one on first & get it seated then do the larger clear one.

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Post by **jblackburn** » 11 Jun 2012, 08:09

"Also have you ever seen the radiator fins crumble off when you touch them?"

If your car spent a good amount of its life in the North where they practically pave the roads with salt in the winter, that's more or less what did it. Never seen it myself, but I've always lived in the South.

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off& ... 72&bih=642

Post by **rmmagow** » 11 Jun 2012, 09:50

I've used Nissen's in my Jap cars for years, no problems, Behr in my MB's with not grief too, I think Behr is OE for MB anyway.