Automatic radiator - re-core time?

[mosman58]

Replacing all my AC - pulled the radiator - should I have it re-cored?

 

Also note no drain plug on these

 

 

[Son of Marty]

It's the conditions on the inside of the rad that usually determine if a recore is needed, the bent fins in your picture can be straightened at least some what with a pair of needle nose pliers used gently to put the fins more or less into the original shape.    

[D.martijn]

I used a small flat head screw driver to bend the fins back on mine, almost looks like new again with a light coat of black heatresistant paint. Takes some patience though.

 

As for the condition of the core itself, That depends on the condition of the inside. You can let a local repair shop pressure test it and see what the results are. Might as well ask them to add a drainplug..

[yeewiz]

you don't mention the history of the radiator.  So, assuming it's been benignly neglected for a while, and from the looks of it it has, I'd re-core it.  Be sure to get a 3 row core that fits in the space of a 2 row core.  I'd also coolant flush the engine first to get rid of the foreign object debris before installing your "new" radiator 

[mosman58]

thanks - I live in Austin so it gets hot here - plus the ac will put the radiator to the test. Will get it done as it looks like new ones are not available for automatics.

[Greg R aka Big_Lebowski]

11 hours ago, mosman58 said:

thanks - I live in Austin so it gets hot here - plus the ac will put the radiator to the test. Will get it done as it looks like new ones are not available for automatics.

 

@masman58 , you live in Austin?  I don't recognize the handle, have you been out to one of our Austin BMW 2002 Cars and Coffee events?  

 

Greg Resa

[mosman58]

Greg- yes - have the Red auto 2002 - its in my garage - replacing all the old AC, water pump, exhaust manifold, radiator ...