plastic vs aluminum radiator

[cheapaccord]

We bought a 91 Accord with a cracked radiator. We're torn between buying a stock plastic replacement or going with the aluminum one for 30$ more. Worried the plastic one will just crack again... It's just a stock daily driver, no plans to ever mod it. What's your input?
Thanks!

[deevergote]

It took 24 years for the stock plastic-capped radiator to crack...

[Flip-Eye]

Good point Deev.

Stock replacement will be fine.

Out of curiosity, did you check the freezing point of the coolant recently? It's the first thing that comes to mind considering how cold it's been recently.

[cheapaccord]

It looks like it was replaced shortly before I bought it. I'm guessing the factory didn't use hose clamps that were the wrong size...when I replaced the timing belt and water pump I refilled it with 75% straight coolant, 25% water.
I didn't know the radiator was cracked when I bought it, but when I was jacking it up to put it on Jack stands to do the timing belt, I noticed there was coolant on the floor from sitting overnight.

[deevergote]

Ah, so I guess it didn't last 24 years!

A quality OEM replacement should last just fine. Can't go wrong with a good all-aluminum, but it's not really necessary.

[Accrdwgnguy]

I was told that the issue with using all-aluminum radiators in a daily driver, is they aren't built for daily street use, and will crack where the inlet and outlet join to the tanks.

[deevergote]

I wonder how much of that is due to them being aluminum, and how much is due to shoddy welds and low quality metal.

I also wonder what Honda's reason for using plastic was. It may have been a cost issue, or it may have been better from a performance/longevity standpoint.

[JDMDriver]

In my humble opinion go with the aluminium.

I believe the plastic tops were introduced for cost reduction purposes and weight reduction.

Bear in mind material costs were very different and aluminum was more expensive then than today.

I was told plastic tops were there to also allow removal, cleaning and reconditioning purposes. I don't buy that as who pays to have it overhauled these days unless it was the honest idea until dropping replacement costs made that idea defunct.

Unless its an original Honda the quality of plastics would be questionable. No doubt I agre an original Honda radiator would last 20 years or more as I can vouch for that, provided it has been maintained well.

However keep in mind oem rad caps may not fit in the aluminum and getting a replacement could be difficult, from my experience my oem cap does not fit the aluminum. So losing the cap or it breaking due to poor quality may spell another radiator purchase and install.

Just some thoughts.

[JDMDriver]

I wonder how much of that is due to them being aluminum, and how much is due to shoddy welds and low quality metal.

I also wonder what Honda's reason for using plastic was. It may have been a cost issue, or it may have been better from a performance/longevity standpoint.

Or a combination of any of the following:

poor non oem hose material binding on the inlet and outlets,
poor maintenance by daily driving ownerw requiring more frequent removals leading to more flexing
poor workmanship due to back yard jobs or mechanic

Leading to blaming the radiator build quality, but then again a non oem radiator quality can vary greatly.

My aluminium radiator is currently going on 4 years no issues.

[johnl]

It looks like it was replaced shortly before I bought it.

A fractured fairly new radiator would have me wondering about the system pressure. Is it substantially too high? If so, is the head gasket OK...? Just questions I think you should be asking, I'm not saying you definitely have a blown gasket.

[DGOfTheCentury]

oem is the way to go honestly...aftermarket aluminum radiators have fitment issues sometimes...ex. return hose hookup is too far...inlet and outlet do not match the engine...issues vary

[Kev1990]

I just went through this. First of all don't go to advance auto for a radiator! Second go to Auto Zone or Pep boy's for a radiator they both have Spectra radiators and the quality is great for the price trust me you won't regret it

[djcaz_aom]

I love my Mishimoto. It also has a lifetime warranty, to include accidents.