Need help choosing correct Denso radiator 2012 SSV

[gotatahoe]

Hi all: I have a 2012 SSV with a failing radiator.

I have the EOC (KC4) and enhanced cooling (K5L) and of course transmission cooler (KNP).

The listings are so confusing. I’d like to get the Denso radiator as it has the 1-1/4” core, should be decent quality and isn’t too expensive.

On rock auto there are 2 listed: 2219011 and 2219514. Both say they are “Exc engine oil cooler” but both photos clearly show the connections for the EOC.

I really don’t want to spend a lot on a radiator and need to get one quickly so I’m not really into ordering an aluminum one or whatnot. I saw a recommendation on the forum for Denso and that feels OK, but can’t figure if one of these is correct.

I did a fair bit of searching but didn’t get clarity.

Anybody have some insight?

 

[gotatahoe]

I’ve done a lot more digging and it seems a lot of people have gotten into this same confusion. The part numbers and descriptions get kinda squirrelly…. More people than not have concluded that the 9514 radiator is the right one…. But I couldn’t find any threads on any forum where anyone actually said they bought and installed that one…

I suppose I will find out….

 

[Fless]

I’ve done a lot more digging and it seems a lot of people have gotten into this same confusion. The part numbers and descriptions get kinda squirrelly…. More people than not have concluded that the 9514 radiator is the right one…. But I couldn’t find any threads on any forum where anyone actually said they bought and installed that one…

I suppose I will find out….

You might try a search here for 9514. One well-respected member (@iamdub) posted this:

help choosing a radiator

after looking online my oem radiator is gm#22840115 or acdelco#21648. after looking at rock auto i see about 10 different choices... which one do you think is the best value?

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[mikez71]

I tried the 9011 and it did have the oil cooler ports, despite RA saying "EXCEPT ENGINE OIL COOLER".
I don't know if there are differences inside the endtank on those ports, but the cooler lines bolt up no problem.

Which denso radiator?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10450388 https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7400712 One has a 1.2598" thick core, has engine oil and trans cooler ports, says exc. heavy duty other has 1.338" thick core, only has trans cooler ports. Not too worried about the engine cooler...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

Interestingly, some of the 6.0's and 6.2's show a 1" thick core vs the Denso at 1.25"+.
Stock PPV radiator also just over 1" thick.

I'm starting to wonder if the engine cooler equipped radiators are better optimized being thinner...
Or only Denso makes a thicker stock replacement?

 

[swathdiver]

Hi all: I have a 2012 SSV with a failing radiator.

I have the EOC (KC4) and enhanced cooling (K5L) and of course transmission cooler (KNP).

The listings are so confusing. I’d like to get the Denso radiator as it has the 1-1/4” core, should be decent quality and isn’t too expensive.

On rock auto there are 2 listed: 2219011 and 2219514. Both say they are “Exc engine oil cooler” but both photos clearly show the connections for the EOC.

I really don’t want to spend a lot on a radiator and need to get one quickly so I’m not really into ordering an aluminum one or whatnot. I saw a recommendation on the forum for Denso and that feels OK, but can’t figure if one of these is correct.

I did a fair bit of searching but didn’t get clarity.

Anybody have some insight?

The correct radiator is GM 20935856 or 21742.

A nice little upgrade is GM 22840115 or 21648. This is the radiator used in the 6.2 Escalades, Denalis and Pickups and the PPVs.

The aftermarket ones don't last or are not right out of the box.

Don't forget to replace the insulators, they shrink with age, 89019121 for 2. There are 4 for the cooling fans too, 15780790 and 15780791.

 

[opfor2]

The correct radiator is GM 20935856 or 21742.

A nice little upgrade is GM 22840115 or 21648. This is the radiator used in the 6.2 Escalades, Denalis and Pickups and the PPVs.

The aftermarket ones don't last or are not right out of the box.

Don't forget to replace the insulators, they shrink with age, 89019121 for 2. There are 4 for the cooling fans too, 15780790 and 15780791.

It's funny the GM GENUINE 21742 Economy is $ 488.79 while the GM GENUINE 21648 made for the PPV and I'm assuming the SSV is only $299.79 on Rock Auto.

 

[mikez71]

I notice a lot of the radiators with coolers list the number of fins for the transmission or engine oil.
Possible that radiators saying "except heavy duty cooling" just have a straight tube inside?

No stock radiators are over 1-1/16" thick?
Still, If I had to do it over, I'd probably spring for the GM part that has specs on the cooler fins..
Especially since mine said "except engine oil cooler" in the description and I can find no cooler specs..

Even funnier, the 21648 shows 6 transmission cooler fins vs 3 in the 21742.
21648 it is! (if I ever get back in there. right it's 2x the Denso price.. bought so many GM parts, it's no big deal anymore)

 

[gotatahoe]

Hey thanks for the input! I bought the 9514 Denso radiator in the end - didn’t see that GM unit for PPVs, but hoping this will work out…. It should arrive Tuesday and we will see…. I will let you know how it goes….

 

[swathdiver]

It's funny the GM GENUINE 21742 Economy is $ 488.79 while the GM GENUINE 21648 made for the PPV and I'm assuming the SSV is only $299.79 on Rock Auto.

Supply versus Demand.

 

[gotatahoe]

Hey y'all, just thought I'd follow up for any future travelers looking for the same answer. I received the Denso 9514 radiator, and it indeed has all the cooling line ports and a 1.25" thick core. It went together fine. Oh, and it has a drain fitting.

The radiator I just removed is GM 20935856 which has a 1" thick core but otherwise is identical. Except of course that being a GM radiator it does not have a drain - I've always wondered why GM is so dedicated to not providing an easy way to drain radiators.

There was evidence that the radiator has been replaced before, which would mean this is the second OEM radiator that failed in the 100k miles this rig has covered. That is not a happy thing.

I've read that Denso makes the OEM radiators, so I guess I shouldn't be overly hopeful about it's longevity, but what it has in its favor is that the whole job (including upper and lower hoses, 2-day shipping, hardware and antifreeze) was about $325.

I was not able to get the insulators in time, but I fiddled a bit and got the old ones snug so all appears to be well.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[SuperDave]

My personal opinion is to delete the factory oil cooler and run an aftermarket external cooler for better cooling performance. My 2010 PPV coolant temps run hotter (200*-210*) with oil temps around the same, compared to my built 6.0 swapped 07 with just a standard radiator and no external cooler besides the trans. the 07 runs coolant temps at a constant 185-195* and oil temps around 200*, I plan to delete the factory oil cooler and run an aftermarket engine oil cooler on bot my 07 and 10.