Radiator - Partstrain?

Post by **holler1** » 18 Mar 2009, 18:24

Partstrain (see below) has Behr radiator for ~$227 ($70 cheaper than FCP Groton), Nissens for ~$210 (about the same as FCP Groton and Darrel Waltrip) and Silla for ~$190.

1. Anyone know of Partstrain as a supplier? If they are reliable I would get the Behr. If I go to Waltrip probably the Nissens.
2. My understanding is Behr is OEM, Nissens is pretty good. Anyone know whether Silla is any good?
3. I have a small oil leak on the top engine oil cooler hose, where the rubber and metal join, so I want to replace that hose. It goes to a tight place under the crankshaft pulley. Any experience in taking one of these off? The bracket is held on by a small Torx screw- I'm a little worried about stripping the screw.

I have only a small water leak so I'm taking my time replacing the radiator.

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/index. ... +11879+777

Thanks

Post by **Matty Moo** » 19 Mar 2009, 08:10

Don't do it. Partstrain is only 1 of about 10 names that they use under 1 company, which is known as autopartswarehouse.com.

Let's say they send you the wrong part, or it's broken. They're not going to just take the part back and give you your money back. you're going to spend countless hours on the phone talking to somebody in the phillipines, then more time talking to your bank to get a chargeback going when you finally figure out that they aren't going to give you your money back after a month or so.

I made the mistake of dealing with them about 2 years ago. I'd gladly pay 25% more anywhere else than go through that mess again. Just google their name, and add customer service to it.

So, for the same money, you can get it from Waltrip or FCP, who have solid reputations and real people that can be contacted.

But, if you're feeling adventurous, go for it.

Post by **holler1** » 19 Mar 2009, 15:07

Thanks for the advice. I agree, I'd rather pay a little more to someone reputable. I didn't know anything about partstrain so thought I'd better check. Actually, Waltrip didn't say exactly what brand they have, so I'll check on that.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Mar 2009, 17:52

I have dealt with this outfit before only under a different name. Google brought up a sale on Bilstein shocks so I placed the order. The guy in India totaled up a price that was substantially more than the sale price. I pointed him to the URL of the page where they had them on sale. A week later they said they were out of stock and really encouraged me to cancel the order and I told them I would wait.

At the end of the day it took me over 1 year to get my credit card credited back and they never would honor their advertised sale price.

...Lee

Post by **Matty Moo** » 19 Mar 2009, 23:37

So I was wrong. They actually operate under over 100 different names/websites. the parent company is U.S. Auto Parts Network Inc.

My blood boils to this day when I think about them. Hours on the phone getting the run-around and having to get my own refund through my bank. All to save $60 on some struts. Same deal, wanted some KYB's for my Nissan, and they had the cheapest price.

Here is a link to all of the names and phone numbers they operate under. I'd copy and paste them here, but the list is huge. http://www.raceshopper.com/bounty.shtml

Their stuff could be 50% cheaper than anybody else, and I still wouldn't take the risk. Worst outfit I have ever dealt with.