Recommendations on Radiator?

[1989accordaz]

1986 LX AT. Looking for a radiator that would be a perfect fit. Not looking into removing parts from my old one, like transmission lines. Suggestion with first hand experience welcomed.

[slithica]

I vote thermostat you replace that thermostat first.

[1989accordaz]

Bought.and returned an Spectra Premium radiator, the return line for the AT transmission has a big 90 degree bend that doesn't fit when installed.

Looking around I see Koyo and Denso radiators. Copper core vs Aluminum? Mine is copper core and for what I see it is more prone to rust, possibly from previous owner not using the right coolant mix. Will post results, but it seems that aluminum core would have a better heat transfer ratio vs copper.

[firefighterwhite89]

Aluminum FTW for me.

[Dr_Snooz]

I could swear there were some differences between radiators, but I can't remember what they were. Like maybe the MT and AT radiators were different, or something like that. Was it possible to re-route your lines to make it work?

I have an aluminum radiator in my one truck. It's been there for a few years and hasn't given me much trouble. The cap started seeping but I was able to bend the tangs down on it and get a better seal.

[firefighterwhite89]

I could swear there were some differences between radiators, but I can't remember what they were. Like maybe the MT and AT radiators were different, or something like that. Was it possible to re-route your lines to make it work?

I have an aluminum radiator in my one truck. It's been there for a few years and hasn't given me much trouble. The cap started seeping but I was able to bend the tangs down on it and get a better seal.

The radiators come as one piece now, for both AT and MT from most parts stores. The difference was the oil cooler integrated, which now comes standard in for both models off the shelf from a parts store. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/murray-heat-transfer-4283/cooling---heating-16773/radiator-20386/radiator-11357/02ac48565f9e/murray-heat-transfer-radiator/433178/4459424/1986/honda/accord?q=radiator&pos=0

Mine has the oil cooler too, they just stay capped off. I guess theoretically, you could use it for MT fluid if you had a way to pump it through it. IIRC Tim Yoak had plans to do so in a thread, but IDR if he ever finished. I'm sure someone has done it with engine oil before...maybe...

[Dr_Snooz]

Doesn't the PS fluid run through it too, or am I thinking of American stuff?

[Dr_Snooz]

Depending on your option package, those barb fittings for the trans fluid would be pointing in different directions. You can go to Rock Auto and look at their pics. There's one radiator with the barbs pointing different from the others. If the barbs are adjustable then it's no big deal. If they aren't, you can't connect your one hose because it hits the crossmember and kinks. The answer is to swap to MT and then you don't have to worry about it. :)

[InAccordance]

Doesn't the PS fluid run through it too, or am I thinking of American stuff?

Transmission fluid runs through on AT cars. Factory trans fluid cooler.

[1989accordaz]

I finally got around to replace my radiator, I decided on denso 221-3218. Aluminum core. Perfect fit and form.

[Dr_Snooz]

Sounds like a good choice!

[1989accordaz]

Well, new radiator installed and two weeks later I now have a leak on a coolant bypass hose. This hose is connected to the water pump pipe to the underside of the carbutator. Bypass Hose #19508-PH1-000 is the part. It looks like a b*** to get to it. I was lucky enough to find new old stock for it. So I will be taking care of that once I get it.

[Dr_Snooz]

NOS rubber hoses??? Say what?!

[1989accordaz]

Thank you ebay! I keep cringing at the idea of having to get a hose to "make it" fit. That is the only one I found too.