Rear A/C Question...

[MonTex]

Got my radiator back from the shop today. It was in relatively good shape - no leaks and good flow. They repainted it too.

I asked about a re-core from the current 3-row high-efficiency core to a 4-row high-efficiency "desert radiator" core (which is the exact same core that you may have read about in other places/forums on this topic). Turns out that the existing high-efficiency 3-row core is the best way to go. Here's why, according to the owner/operator of my local radiator shop who has been in business for 20+ years and is consistently rated with 5-stars on Yelp!:

The 'desert radiator' 4-row high-efficiency core can be installed using the existing radiator tanks. However, these cores do not permit the use of the same amount of solder on the tanks as the original configuration. As a result, the 4-row 'desert radiator' is less reliable and often leaks - due to the reduced amount of solder that can be used around the tanks.

Also, the recommendation is to use ONLY pure water under 'high-pressure' to flush the radiator/cooling system. Use of the citric-acid-based commercial 'flush' loosens the material in the cooling system that will/does get caught in the radiator's cooling tubes. The recommended coolant is Prestone brand "all-makes/all models" ethylene glycol (yellow) because it is the latest new formula and works best with aluminum and cast iron engine components.

If anyone is interested in the 4-row core 'desert radiator' using the exact same core that you have read about elsewhere - PM me. The radiator shop local to me can/will make the same radiator for over $100 less than the 'other' radiator shop. I called the 'other' referenced shop in Northern California and got a (rather pricey) quote.

See the attached paper regarding cooling fans....and standard vs. heavy-duty/super-duty fan clutches...