Warning About CSF Radiators

[Griff]

Just a warning for anyone doing research and considering buying a CSF radiator for their P2:

I bought a CSF from FCP Euro after doing some research and seeing generally positive things about their plastic OEM style radiators. I also felt reassured because I've gathered that FCP is very careful about the products they list on their site.

My confidence could not have been more misguided. I installed the CSF radiator only to realize that the transmission cooler lines wouldn't seat fully into the ports on the CSF radiator. In fact, neither the top nor the bottom port would accept the transmission line enough for the plastic green clip to lock in. The clips went perfectly fine into the OEM radiator I removed and I tested a backup set of OEM transmission cooler lines and confirmed it wasn't just an issue with the lines on my car.

This is either a case of a completely incorrectly designed part or the transmission cooler ports installed on my radiator were just from a bad batch, but who really wants to risk it?

It does look like FCP Euro has now removed these from their site, but I still see them available from other places.

Now my daily driver sits in pieces in my driveway while I try to figure out how I can source a Nissens radiator the quickest.

Hope this helps someone else avoid a headache!

Happy wrenching!

[volvolugnut]

I would guess FCP had other complaints and dropped their product. Thanks for the heads up.
volvolugnut

[jonesg]

$183 is a bit too cheap.
i paid $260 from fcp several yrs ago.
Someone isn't watching the switch, they should have sourced you a quality replacement and ate the difference.

[cn90]

With Volvo rad and Nissens (not perfect but good enough) rad good reviews, I think most ppl go with these 2 brands.

My 2007 S60 came with Spectra rad (made in China). Nine (9) years later, still ok.

[dikidera]

I would caution against NRF radiators too. The coolant hose throat has missing metal sleeves. After tightening the hose clamp, after a while under high temps the throat will buckle(deform) and the coolant hose will pop out, leaving you stranded as the coolant very quickly leaks out.

[matthew1]

I also felt reassured because I've gathered that FCP is very careful about the products they list on their site.

Thanks for the post, Griff.

FCP sells 190k products. I'd be surprised if they had experience with 1% of that number. I don't trust reviews on retailers' sites either, too easy to fake, or mute negative reviews. Forums are the best place to gather opinions.

[scot850]

I have had issues with stuff from both FCP and IPDUSA in the past. The difference is how they treat the issues. Both stepped up and helped fix the issue. Of course does not help when the car is in bits needing the part to work. They cannot be expected to try every part they sell to confirm it works. IT is how companies then treat that part once issues come to light that is equally important.

Neil.

[Vova585]

If budget allows, I would advocate for volvo oem unit. Nissens are ok at best and quality is way down. I replaced rad 5 years ago with nissens and it lasted until top hose connector decided to brake off. I ordered a new Nissens from fcp and it was just cheaply made and significantly lighter than nissens it should replace. After 1 day looking at it, I packed it back and bought new oem from fcp and could not be happier with decision(it was a significant cost difference, but my time also cost money).

[br0dy519]

$70 TYC radiator fine after 10 years.... knock on wood...

[cn90]

Back in the old days, Behr and Valeo (the original suppliers for BMW, Volvo) offered radiators in the aftermarket.

Now they don't do that any longer.

So now we are stuck with Volvo dealer inflated price of > $400...if we want original stuff.