Aluminum radiator question

[Evildmanarc]

So my all aluminum radiator from rock auto came in and I have to say it's beautiful. 2001 tahoe looks like it has all the mounting specs that the OEM has, I reccomend this to anyone looking for an upgrade over stock. 180$ on rock auto AND after tax it's like 239$ ish (indiana tax). ANYWAYS I actually have a question to anyone who might know. I know the passenger side two quick connect fittings are for transmission oil cooling, but what the HELL are the left side for? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Doubeleive]

So my all aluminum radiator from rock auto came in and I have to say it's beautiful. 2001 tahoe looks like it has all the mounting specs that the OEM has, I reccomend this to anyone looking for an upgrade over stock. 180$ on rock auto AND after tax it's like 239$ ish (indiana tax). ANYWAYS I actually have a question to anyone who might know. I know the passenger side two quick connect fittings are for transmission oil cooling, but what the HELL are the left side for? Thanks in advance!!View attachment 344230View attachment 344231

oil cooler (if you have one) otherwise it just remains not used

 

[Evildmanarc]

oil cooler (if you have one) otherwise it just remains not used

I THINK it has a factory one. So if I leave them exposed and not capped I'll be fine? I would like to utilize the full functionality of this radiator, what do you suggest?

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, like @Doubeleive said, oil cooler connections. If you have a block off plate, my 02 LT did, it is likely leaking because they all seem to spring a leak. If the spouts are not used, I would definitely cap them off. If you have the factory oil cooler then you have lines to the radiator.

The full functionality is just fine and will cool the engine. When you ordered it, you could have ordered one without the oil cooler adaptors, right? Maybe they make them all the same instead of having other options.

 

[Doubeleive]

I THINK it has a factory one. So if I leave them exposed and not capped I'll be fine? I would like to utilize the full functionality of this radiator, what do you suggest?

If you do not plan on using the oil cooler function you can leave the ports uncapped or capped doesn't matter, but if you decided to use it later then probably a good idea to put some rubber caps over the ports just to keep the dust & dirt out.

 

[Doubeleive]

Yes, like @Doubeleive said, oil cooler connections. If you have a block off plate, my 02 LT did, it is likely leaking because they all seem to spring a leak. If the spouts are not used, I would definitely cap them off. If you have the factory oil cooler then you have lines to the radiator.

The full functionality is just fine and will cool the engine. When you ordered it, you could have ordered one without the oil cooler adaptors, right? Maybe they make them all the same instead of having other options.

they only offer the one version with both oil cooler and trans cooler 00-14

 

[Evildmanarc]

they only offer the one version with both oil cooler and trans cooler 00-14

So I guess my question is how would I go about using those ports? Run independent lines? Or if I have a factory oil cooler (which I think I do) just reroute those lines?

 

[Doubeleive]

So I guess my question is how would I go about using those ports? Run independent lines? Or if I have a factory oil cooler (which I think I do) just reroute those lines?

if you have a factory oil cooler then your old radiator will look just like the new one and you just R&R, if you do not have a factory oil cooler then you just need to buy the adapter plate that goes above the oil filter and the 2 oil cooler lines and then it is plug-n-play. nothing to relocate or modify.

 

[Doubeleive]

here is a basic how-to, his is a 6.0 but doesn't matter it's the same parts and process

 

[91RS]

So I guess my question is how would I go about using those ports? Run independent lines? Or if I have a factory oil cooler (which I think I do) just reroute those lines?

Just buy factory oil cooler lines and install them. I plan on adding the oil cooler to my 2008 whenever I replace the radiator.

Those welds look pretty darn good. I wonder how the overall quality compares to the Cold Case radiator, it could still leak where the core is and not the end caps.

 

[Evildmanarc]

Just buy factory oil cooler lines and install them. I plan on adding the oil cooler to my 2008 whenever I replace the radiator.

Those welds look pretty darn good. I wonder how the overall quality compares to the Cold Case radiator, it could still leak where the core is and not the end caps.

Well I'm actually in the process of installing right now. I can give mileage updates and temp differences over factory if you'd like, to give you an idea of the comparison to the Cold Case

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, compare temps is great. Is the radiator a 2/3/4 core? You may have said but I am lazy.

 

[Fless]

Hopefully the radiator has the proper restriction in the connection that goes back to the surge tank. Otherwise it may have trouble getting to operating temp.

 

[OR VietVet]

Forgot about that. If he does, he can use a small hose clamp on the hose to pinch it down a bit and restrict the flow and then should work, till a more permanent fix.

 

[Fless]

Suggested reading: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/engine-not-reaching-operating-temperature.108432/

 

[Evildmanarc]

SADLY I have no idea how many cores it is..... it does not say anywhere on there

And also sadly there's no cap to peek down into to see them. As of right now it's installed I taped off the oil cooler side for now but it's sitting steady at 230-235 degrees. I know my thermostat has been sticking but damn. Unless it could be something else like an air pocket etc. Everything fit good like REALLY good all the hoses felt like factory fitment.

 

[OR VietVet]

With core thickness being 1.26 inches, 1 1/4", then it cannot be more than a two core radiator or a very wide single core. As long as it cools, who cares. Do you have an infrared temp gun to check actual temp at the thermostat? If you knew the thermostat was sticking, why did you not change it to have a new thermo and a new radiator. C'mon man!

 

[Doubeleive]

it's a single core, same size as oem, maybe a hair thicker like 1/8"

 

[Evildmanarc]

HAHAHA because i still need to go get one. Am lazy sometimes but no harm no foul all it needed was a little burping. And so far I'm 3 jugs of 5050 in and she's still thirsty. I'll get more after work. Once everything is dialed in proper I will give cooling differences. I'm sure adding that oil cooler will make a difference as well.

 

[menusk]

SADLY I have no idea how many cores it is..... it does not say anywhere on thereView attachment 344355
And also sadly there's no cap to peek down into to see them. As of right now it's installed I taped off the oil cooler side for now but it's sitting steady at 230-235 degrees. I know my thermostat has been sticking but damn. Unless it could be something else like an air pocket etc. Everything fit good like REALLY good all the hoses felt like factory fitment. View attachment 344359

My 2001 Tahoe always sits at about 190 at all times. It did go to 210 when it was 108degrees one day. And I was idling for 30 minutes. I think it may still have air