Hey all,

The damage to my radiator fins from rocks and other debris has become so great that my car is beginning to run hot when stuck in traffic and idling for extended periods.

Ideally I would like to replace with an aftermarket radiator to save a bit of money, but all of the ones I've been able to find online are for automatics with the integrated transmission oil cooler fittings. (I have a manual). Can I use a radiator designed for the AT or should I just pony up the extra cash for an OEM MT one?

 

Any aftermarket will be AT radiator with a kit to fix your 6MT.

The correct part is available from Acura at around $300...the aftermarket stuff runs 130-200...I'd cough it up.

 

There are two "radiators". The one directly exposed to rocks, etc is the air conditioning system condenser. The engine radiator is located directly behind it. Check that it is actually the engine radiator that needs replacement. If the engine radiator is damaged by rocks then the air conditioning condenser is probably also damaged.

 

Thanks darowa, didn't realize that. Since the condenser is in front of the engine radiator and its fins are damaged, it could reduce air flow to the radiator enough to cause it to run hot right? I think I'll pull the radiator out to see if it has any damage as well.

 

Have you checked your electric radiator fan to make sure it is running at full speed? I had a 97 Honda Accord a few years ago and I replaced the fan twice in 4 years. The Accord's temp also got extremely high in slow traffic and at idle. The car would cool down instantly once I got above 35-40 mph. I could hear and see the fan running, but it just wasn't running fast enough to cool the engine at low speeds. The radiator fan never stop running, it just ran slower to cause the engine to overheat.

 

I agree; check everything else before you jump into a radiator. I've been here almost 4 years and I don't recall anyone having to replace a radiator. I'd suspect the thermostat. They're pretty reliable, but have been known to go bad.

 

I agree with Simba. I have been here for more than 5 years. I also don't recall anyone having to replace the radiator. TSX radiators are solid.



mxmattd: Several questions:

1) What year is your TSX?

2) How many miles does it have?

3) Are you the original owner?

4) Are you hearing any unusual noises coming from the engine area than you did not hear before? I have read in the past about a forum member having to replace his water pump because the bearing went bad. But I don't think in that case that his car overheated. It was just noisy and he replaced it out of caution.

5) any water leaks under the car? maybe leaking radiator or heater hoses?