P80 Aluminum Radiators - Thoughts?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 26 Dec 2020, 11:48

Good Morning and Merry Christmas!

I seem to be losing coolant from the the
upper hose neck on my stock radiator.
( Only 22 years? What‘s up with that...? )

To avoid cold weather problems with the
plastic in a Nissens, I’m looking at some
aftermarket all-aluminum options.

Has anyone got any experience with these?

Thanks and Good Riddance to 2020!

Post by **abscate** » 26 Dec 2020, 13:30

Very pricey. Much better to buy your last paid one from FCP

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 26 Dec 2020, 14:53

abscate wrote: ↑26 Dec 2020, 13:30 Very pricey. Much better to buy your last paid one from FCP

Right there with ya. They’re at the top of my list for
a basic replacement, but I’m also thinking that less
plastic in the subarctic would save me shipping and
extra labor with FCP in the future.
I’ve always been rewarded with the “do it once with
something over-engineered” concept. And I if I can
avoid breakdowns in the winter, that’s a nice win.

Post by **Goupil** » 27 Dec 2020, 03:55

I didn't hear good things about the Do88 aluminium radiators, unlike their intercoolers

At that price I'd rather be swapping Nissen radiators every once in a while

Post by **abscate** » 27 Dec 2020, 05:36

If you buy more Volvos the price of your inventory per car falls dramatically!

Cheap eBay one , definitely avoid

The D088 unfavorably review here, albeit small data set

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=85512

Looks like Fairbanks Cool Parts for you is best choice

Post by **volvolugnut** » 27 Dec 2020, 08:46

abscate wrote: ↑27 Dec 2020, 05:36 If you buy more Volvos the price of your inventory per car falls dramatically!

I like this plan!
volvolugnuty

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 27 Dec 2020, 09:24

There are three options with anything made of aluminum. You can have corrosion or stress cracking or an insane unaffordable price. If this were made to aerospace standards such that it wouldn’t corrode or crack it would have to sell for $1000.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Dec 2020, 13:50

The last Nissens I bought for my 'R' when the OE one cracked across the top hose mount (the internal tube had come loose and was no longer supporting the top mount), it has a thicker top house mount tube than they used to have. The main thing to ensure is the engine mounts (crank shaft lower mount and top and lower torque mounts) are all good as these are are the main cause of the radiator fails as well as hardened top hoses. They all cause more strain on the radiator top hose connection.

Neil.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 27 Dec 2020, 19:44

scot850 wrote: ↑27 Dec 2020, 13:50 The last Nissens I bought for my 'R' when the OE one cracked across the top hose mount (the internal tube had come loose and was no longer supporting the top mount), it has a thicker top house mount tube than they used to have. The main thing to ensure is the engine mounts (crank shaft lower mount and top and lower torque mounts) are all good as these are are the main cause of the radiator fails as well as hardened top hoses. They all cause more strain on the radiator top hose connection.

Neil.

That's a really good point that hadn't crossed my mind. It does all tie together.
My lower front mount is good, but it's ben a while since I checked the others.
( I can just see this stacking up to a lengthier parts list...

)

The more I read and think about this, the more sense an FCP Nissens makes.
I guess I just have an inherent distrust of plastic in this environment.
The original DID last quite a while, though!

Thank You, Neil!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 27 Dec 2020, 19:47

volvolugnut wrote: ↑27 Dec 2020, 08:46
abscate wrote: ↑27 Dec 2020, 05:36 If you buy more Volvos the price of your inventory per car falls dramatically!

I like this plan!
volvolugnuty

It's a great plan if you have the parking for it!
I already have one spare, but I keep thinking I
need to fix it. I have got to get past that...