This can't be right...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
This can't be right...
Well, I received my new OEM radiator from Chris May this past week. Yanked it outta the box on Saturday AM, figuring I'd get 'er done. Careful inspection revealed a major WTF:
.
The transmission cooler (which I didn't expect to even be present, as my car's a 6-speed), appears to be installed in the tank incorrectly. How any more than a trickle of coolant could get through to the hose at this port is a mystery to me. The cooler is nearly choking the passage off completely. It's only around 1/4 inch below the port.
Bummer. Looks like this one's going back via UPS...
Be well,
SJW
.
The transmission cooler (which I didn't expect to even be present, as my car's a 6-speed), appears to be installed in the tank incorrectly. How any more than a trickle of coolant could get through to the hose at this port is a mystery to me. The cooler is nearly choking the passage off completely. It's only around 1/4 inch below the port.
Bummer. Looks like this one's going back via UPS...
Be well,
SJW
Last edited by SJW; Jul 9, 2006 at 10:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by Pete K
That makes for a bad sunday
Be well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by STL94LT1
Even though defective, that is the right radiator. GM only offers one factory replacement. It'll work on both the M6 and A4.
Be well,
SJW
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,264
Likes: 88
From: O'Fallon Missouri
I work for GM as a Team Leader on the "Radiator Line" at the Wentzville Assembly Center. I have seen broken radiators with the transmission cooler exposed, and don't remeber it having a flat edge like the photo shows. That almost looks like a stray piece of metal ended up over the radiator hose hole.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by STL94LT1
I work for GM as a Team Leader on the "Radiator Line" at the Wentzville Assembly Center. I have seen broken radiators with the transmission cooler exposed, and don't remeber it having a flat edge like the photo shows. That almost looks like a stray piece of metal ended up over the radiator hose hole.
Many thanks for your insights. Always nice to hear from somebody who's on the inside...
Be well,
SJW
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Regardless of brand or price, I have been burned by more new parts than used or remanufactured. I opened a brand new thermostat today and it was defective. I examine everything closely before installing it. Poor workmanship seems more common now than ever.
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Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
I have the OEM radiator out of my GS in storage / for sale, which is obviously a manual transmission only radiator. It was leak free when I pulled it a few years ago for a larger aftermarket unit. PM me if interested.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
I just pulled my radiator to clean the crap out of it a couple of months ago and that is exactly what mine looked like. I remember it because I thought it was odd too. I cleaned it up, put it back together and it is fine. I really think that is exactly as it is supposed to be.
SJW - where you located in Maryland?
Don Haller
Rockville, Maryland
SJW - where you located in Maryland?
Don Haller
Rockville, Maryland
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26,598
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From: Hampton, VA Yea, i'm a redneck... but you love it
Cruise-In 8-9 Veteran
aka/Trunk Monkey/Banned For Life/Corvette For Life
sooo, some of you are saying that that is how it is supposed to be??? that dont make sence
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I would verify that its defective before sending it back.
Be well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by 96GS#007
I have the OEM radiator out of my GS in storage / for sale, which is obviously a manual transmission only radiator. It was leak free when I pulled it a few years ago for a larger aftermarket unit. PM me if interested.
Based upon the fact that several members have replied that their radiators looked exactly like this, I guess this is the way it's supposed to be. Go figure...
Be well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by bogus
for cost cutting reasons, they only make the A4 specific unit, and yes, that is EXACTLY how mine looked.
Be well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 2,298
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by biggrizzly
I just pulled my radiator to clean the crap out of it a couple of months ago and that is exactly what mine looked like. I remember it because I thought it was odd too. I cleaned it up, put it back together and it is fine. I really think that is exactly as it is supposed to be.
SJW - where you located in Maryland?
Don Haller
Rockville, Maryland
SJW - where you located in Maryland?
Don Haller
Rockville, Maryland
Be well,
SJW