Talk me off a ledge here -- is this radiator OK to use?

Hello,

I received a new OEM radiator (164100C032) for my 2004 2.7L Tacoma. The radiator has several bent fins but otherwise I think it is OK. I cannot help but feel upset that it is not perfect ... but being new it's clearly better than my ~17 year old original radiator. It has a manufacture date of September 2020. It seemed to be packed well. I imagine that the damage occurred in shipping.

The fins do not affect the radiator's ability to hold fluid, right? They are used to allow air to circulate between the tubes that contain the coolant? Should I just use a small screw driver and bend them back?

Here are some pics to get the conversion started:


I think I should be OK but again I would appreciate some thoughts on the topic. Thanks as always!

- Jim

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZRrr06IGKs

 

No big deal IMO. If it really bothers you that much you can buy one of these and straighten the fins Search SiteSearch schwaben cooling fin tool - 015326SCH01A - Schwaben Radiator/ Intercooler Fin Comb (ecstuning.com). Those few fins being bent should not affect cooling efficiency at all. You are correct the fins are just cooling fins, they don't hold fluid. The fluid runs through copper lines deeper inside the radiator I believe.

 

I'd use it. When I replaced my radiator it had the same issue - no problems so far.

 

That's not enough to cause a problem, but if you want to be 100% sure:

There are a lot of cheapo fin straightening tools on the market. Try Amazon, or probably local auto parts stores have them as well.

$7 Fin Straightener Car Automotive Refrigeration A/C Condenser Radiator Plastic Fin Straightener Cleaner for Cleaning Radiator Evaporator

https://www.amazon.com/Straightener...refix=radiator+fin+straighteni,aps,400&sr=8-8

 

Correct, the fins don’t effect coolant capacity. They act as a heat sink. Allowing the radiator to cool more efficiently. A few bent fins won’t make a difference.

You’d be lucky if a new one was any better. I’ve seen them the same way or worse right out of the box. I see no issues there. I personally wouldn’t even try straightening them.

 

Doesn’t look bad at all; that is just the reality of handling and transportation. Straighten them if it bothers you, but I’d just send it.

 

You can straighten them with a screw driver or fin comb. The passenger side fins appear to have been adjusted when the core was build. Probably had a couple lines of tubes that caused a bow and the assembler bent the fins to get the side straight.
Personally, I wouldn't worry and run it as is.

 

Its fine …..but I never knew there is a tool to straighten them !

 

i've never gotten a perfect radiator.. dont over think it. just run it

 

Thanks everyone! I have the old radiator pulled, hoses, and the water pump. Next up is cleaning the block mating surface for the new water pump. I have used a 3M Roloc "yellow" disc pads on other engines for this purpose. The yellow Roloc is for aluminum. Anyone see any harm in using one of these?

Thanks again, Jim

 

Don't jump. Back away from the edge, install your new radiator, and enjoy life.

 

Wow That is in great Shape for Shipping in these days.

Why I only buy local might pay a $ 100.00 more but never need to ship returns just have the vendor pick it up or drop it off.

 

If you want to straighten the fins, please do not use a screw driver. Use an old credit card. Reason, the screwdriver could damage a coolant tube with a simple slip of control.

The fins are thin and soft. Very ease to reshape.

 

Leave em alone. It'll look worse than that in a year anyway