Aluminum radiators

[T4Rscott]

Hey all,

I’m searching radiators and stumbled onto one on eBay. It’s an all aluminum one. Is there any downsides to this as opposed to the run of the mill plastic tank types?

Aluminum Radiator For Toyota 1996-2002 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 4Runner AT | eBay

Thanks

 

[St Runner]

Not speaking to the one you have linked but in general. I have one in my 2001 and when you are working on a hot engine those aluminum radiators are smoking hot when you touch them. Plastic not so much. Probably why plastic radiators are in most modern cars even though solid aluminum is more reliable

 

[T4Rscott]

I was thinking old school, in a way. If it leaks, it can be soldered.

 

[T4Rscott]

UPDATE: I ordered an OEM from my local dealership for an astonishing 165.00! I was stunned, thought sure it was going to be 250-300

 

[spartacus]

Hey all,

I’m searching radiators and stumbled onto one on eBay. It’s an all aluminum one. Is there any downsides to this as opposed to the run of the mill plastic tank types?

Aluminum Radiator For Toyota 1996-2002 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 4Runner AT | eBay

Thanks

Good video review, all aluminium champion radiator by [MENTION=168172]sleepydad[/MENTION]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzyqQWSs9rc&feature=youtu.be

 

[Brian.]

Good video review, all aluminium champion radiator by [MENTION=168172]sleepydad[/MENTION]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzyqQWSs9rc&feature=youtu.be

I bought the same Champion after he did and my mounting locations were Much closer and the rivnuts were actually secure. No clue if they improved the assembly, just different ends of the quality control spectrum or one of our vehicles has a slightly tweaked radiator support.

It's been just shy of 2 years now and I've no complaints. I'm not a fan of plastic-capped radiators, just too many failures (personal experiences).