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Radiator replacement question

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Offline RalphARoni

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Radiator replacement question
« on: November 07, 2019, 04:01:33 PM »
While replacing the timing belt ect. I found that the radiator surface was crumbling badly. No leaks but crumbling.  Since I needed it this weekend I ordered a replacement without paying much attention. It fits and works but it is Aluminum and single layer rather than the double layer original.  When I bought it I figured I would just get a better one later. I do drive off road and sometimes in deep sand. Will a single layer radiator be a problem?
'96 Geo Tracker 2 dr auto 4wd 15" wheels, 23" tires, named "GT" and towed behind the motorhome

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Offline JollyZuk

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Re: Radiator replacement question
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2019, 11:11:14 AM »
Look at the core.  Lots of times aftermarket replacement radiators will only have a single, larger row...the same width as the 2 rows in the OEM.  If your rig is in any kind of good repair, I would think you should not have much problem.  Now, no off-roading, but the last summer I had my Kick on the road I drove it daily, and a fair portion of the time pulling a trailer, with no fan whatsoever, and never had an overheating problem.  This was also in Texas heat, many days in triple digit temps.
Now if it is a single row, same size as the individual rows in the original, that could be problematic.  Which is yours?
1995 Sidekick JLX
16v 5 spd, milled head, LROR Stage 2 clutch
2" Spacer lift, XL7 rear springs,  2nd Gen front springs, W-Body GM Struts on front
OEM ROOF RACK!!!

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Offline RalphARoni

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Re: Radiator replacement question
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2019, 07:34:42 AM »
Look at the core.  Lots of times aftermarket replacement radiators will only have a single, larger row...the same width as the 2 rows in the OEM.  If your rig is in any kind of good repair, I would think you should not have much problem.  Now, no off-roading, but the last summer I had my Kick on the road I drove it daily, and a fair portion of the time pulling a trailer, with no fan whatsoever, and never had an overheating problem.  This was also in Texas heat, many days in triple digit temps.
Now if it is a single row, same size as the individual rows in the original, that could be problematic.  Which is yours?
Not sure I understand the question but the radiator is the same height and width  as the original but only a single layer. The single layer is slightly thicker but not nearly as thick as the original double. Works fine in normal local driving, 30 miles 60mph,85f  but I am concerned about places like deep sand and steep hills off road.
'96 Geo Tracker 2 dr auto 4wd 15" wheels, 23" tires, named "GT" and towed behind the motorhome

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Offline JollyZuk

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Re: Radiator replacement question
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2019, 12:06:06 PM »
The best answer is gonna be give it a try and see!  If you ask 10 people you will get 10 answers on radiator theory.  Is the original radiator aluminum core?  I don’t recall myself.
1995 Sidekick JLX
16v 5 spd, milled head, LROR Stage 2 clutch
2" Spacer lift, XL7 rear springs,  2nd Gen front springs, W-Body GM Struts on front
OEM ROOF RACK!!!

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Offline RalphARoni

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Re: Radiator replacement question
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2019, 03:41:27 AM »
The best answer is gonna be give it a try and see!  If you ask 10 people you will get 10 answers on radiator theory.  Is the original radiator aluminum core?  I don’t recall myself.
Truth!
'96 Geo Tracker 2 dr auto 4wd 15" wheels, 23" tires, named "GT" and towed behind the motorhome