Aluminum Radiator?

Even though I nursed Dreadnaught for nearly 2 years with a failed head gasket I didn't need to resort to an all aluminium radiator. The only reason I can see is that if you are in the middle of nowhere it's conceivably easier for you to bush repair aluminium than plastic.

My 2 pents, i have a G13BB and feel cooling system is flawed, water pump and thermostat at the front of the motor how do you guarantee coolant gets to all 4 pots evenly, i found a housing with a heater hose size outlet that is a direct fit instead of the blanking plate at the back of the head and connected a small coolant pump to it then connected to the heater outlet near bottom rad hose so it circulates till thermostat opens

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Hope it wasn't too off topic, just thought if a motor has hot spots were coolant dosnt circulate a good radiator won't fix it

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Really interesting responses, I've never had any overheating issues but where I live I know the heat is a major contributor to the Automatic Transmissions failing prematurely and needing rebuilds. I was thinking an aftermarket cooler or aluminum radiator could be in the works to give it that extra longevity. Seems like I may go back with OEM. Scimike you are right it runs at a set temperature anyways.

On the other hand maybe the extra heat absorption from the Aluminum rad would help my AC Condenser cool better through heat soak :huh:

An aftermarket would be a good plan.



As already mentioned, you likely wouldn't see much engine cooling improvement with an aluminum radiator but it might improve the auto transmission cooling. About the only way you would know for sure is to instrument the transmission and do some before and after readings. If you decide to try it and test it, be sure to post the results.

Figured I would provide an update to this thread if anyone is googling in the future.

I aborted the Aluminum Radiator on my M13 Jimny because it's a bit more work than I was prepared for at the time- Unless you get a direct fit radiator you're really stuck with using a dual core half sized "Honda" radiator. The dual core thickness means you need to do away with the clutch fan and shroud and install a slim electric fan, I personally prefer the clutch fans and opted to keep it. The next challenge is mounting since it is shorter you need to get some brackets made to extend out, not a difficult job just need to know someone with a welder. After you get it all mounted up none of the hoses will line back up so you have to get some 90 degree hose and a hose extension or get the radiator cut and inlet and outlet re-welded. All of this is made a bit more difficult if you have AC as well since the space is going to be tight. I do think I'll revisit this project again at some point because the dual core is very impressive with temperatures.

I also have a G13B jimny used strictly for offroading, that is running the half sized radiator with a suzuki alto electric fan and the performance is outstanding. I live in a very hot climate and that jeep is always running below the halfway line even idling away at midday in stop and go traffic or on trails. That is what has sold me on the radiator albeit it does take some modification, but what's the fun if everything was easy.

TLDR is there is a definite difference going aluminum. It is also a great preventative measure on an M13 jimny since you really do not want that engine to overheat.