Got a Expedition, 46, 2001.
My radiator was leaking on the front.
1. Bought a used one original Ford radiator and it's leaking between metal and plastic. may this happen buy shipping, so when a press together the metal an plastic any chance to stoop leaking.
2. I like to order new one at rockauto, i can get spectra premium or TYC. I read on amazon rating, that this radiator offen leaking after months between metal and plastic.
Got somebody experience of these radiator?

 

The tank and core is sealed with an O ring. With age, mileage, and some drying out time it’s conceivable that a leak could happen, or, it was leaking prior to being pulled.

Vendors like RA usually offer a few brands, some are bottom feeders and best to steer away from those. That said, most aftermarket are not the same quality as OE. But, the higher end aftermarket generally come with a better warranty period and will or should give a decent service life unless some other conditions cause it to fail. That’s important should an issue arise. I’ve used Spectra in the past, and others, and most aftermarket are made elsewhere than the US. With the Spectras I’ve installed, like the one in my current 72 Dart has held up fine. Again, certainly lighter duty than OE, but a decent unit with a fair warranty period to back the product..

I look at like a pacemaker, never buy the least expensive one....

 

I am sure, is leaking between plastic and metal. If I pressed it again together, I can fixed it?
2. I have to order by rockauto, because of shipping to Germany.
So I can get APDI, TYC, OSC and Spectra Preminium.
In amazon the rating for Spectra isn't good, because some people wrote the line for transmission cooling brock and mixed with cooling water.
So, if I can't ix it and have to buy a new one, what is the best?

greetings

Frank

 

I am sure, is leaking between plastic and metal. If I pressed it again together, I can fixed it?
2. I have to order by rockauto, because of shipping to Germany.
So I can get APDI, TYC, OSC and Spectra Preminium.
In amazon the rating for Spectra isn't good, because some people wrote the line for transmission cooling brock and mixed with cooling water.
So, if I can't ix it and have to buy a new one, what is the best?

 

Most of these aftermarket are made in Mexico or Asian countries.
Looking at the reviews is good for a sampling of real life experiences and issues that have come up.. But again,, the warranty period they all offer should be part of the decision. With the Spectra i installed in my Dart, I check it fairly often, more so since I know it’s not the same build quality as the original from 1972. It’s been working well now for about 3 years..

Years ago, aftermarket quality was pretty high, and today they say ‘meets OE’ standards. I’d argue that point at anytime in comparison to original units. So my opinion,, warranty is pretty important.

The problem isn’t that the tank comes loose, or that pinching the tank/core tighter is the fix. The problem is usually that the oring is degrading allowing the leak. If the core is sound, a decent radiation shop can normally replace the sealing ring. Trying to squeeze the core flanges tighter may just result in breaking the tank. In fact, if the radiator is high mileage, subjected to high temps, sometimes the tank material will become brittle..

 

Hi Hayapower, I am little bit confused.
What aftermarket companiy do you think is the best. Spectra Premium is okay? Or the other are better?

 

OSC, TYC have Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Spectra Premium has 24 month's.
The others offered on RA’s I believe only had 12 month. If it were me, I select a radiator with the best warranty. Spectra has been around for quite some time, but most of theses radiators builds are very similar as far as materials. I doubt any of them would die out on you in short order..
As long as your rigs cooling system is good shape, I’d have no issues with Spectra. The limited life tend to be a few bucks more, but in reality not much more of an investment ..

 

Hi Hayapower, so no leaking with Spectra Premium after years?

 

The ones I've installed have worked well, but most of them were installed in customers vehicles, and a few salvaged vehicles I rebuilt and sold, as well as a few reconstructed we kept in our family for more than a few years to be sold later on.
If your concerned about longevity, then possibly go with a Limited Lifetime unit. Spectra at 2 years replacement is a decent warranty period. But all of them require your cooling system and base engine to not 'cause' and fail issue. I've worked on quite a few rigs that have had aftermarket radiators installed. quite poorly and not the best conditions for the new radiator to survive and thought, it should be leaking!!

The thing about product reviews is,, most times the collection of complaints will be highest on the highest volumes of units sold, plus, more people review with a complaint over review with satisfaction.
The Spectra I have now in my old Dart is standard construction, meaning copper/brass. It has been fine for about 3 years now. The composite tank and aluminum are generally solid units, and if stood side by side with the different brands, hard to tell apart.
If you have a local auto parts store, ask what brands they have available. One reason is,, if you buy a aftermarket from a local vendor, and an issue arises you can just return it to the local store for a replacement. I know NAPA here sells Spectra as one of the options.. There's a better than average chance a Spectra would last as long as your truck would in its remaining service life..

 

Hi Hayapoeer, many thanks for your reply good report.
I read the ratings and Spectra wasn't very well by rating.
So I started to get carefully about this radiator SPECTRA PREMIUM CU2136
The problem is, the high shipping and tax cost to Germany (100 $) and if something happen in the warranty, I have to pay the shipping back to USA.
In Germany I can get NRF and Tong Yang radiator.
If a buy at the dealer in Germany, the dealer do the same, order in USA and sell it for much more money. And the will give me 1 year warranty.
Do you ever hear about Tong Yang radiator?
The NRF is less deep core about 1 inch or 1,4 inch-