New Radiator - Silla All Aluminum

[Border Dave]

Well, it finally happened after more than 94,000 miles. The plastic tank on my radiator broke. Exploded actually, from my jeep overheating. I decided to try out one of the new, Chinese made all aluminum radiators from E-Bay. I ordered it from a company called RadiatorsUS for $149 plus shipping. That's less expensive than a factory radiator with plastic tanks.

I ordered it on Friday, but they didn't ship it out until the following Wednesday. The delivery guy was at my door two days later. I just got it put in today, along with a new radiator cap and 180 degree thermostat. With the 180 t-stat, I think It'll be easier to check the radiator's efficiency in very high desert heat.

It's a 1.25 inch wide single core all aluminum unit that's TIG welded. It's a complete bolt on, meaning even the factory shroud bolts right up to it. There are absolutely no modifications needed to it with my Jeep, which is a 2001 Sport with A/C. Also, it comes with a transmission line cooler built into it. I won't be using that feature... yet.

Here's what it looks like.







The welding could be better.


More pics here.

Now, I'm looking for a good way to test the temperatures that my jeep will run at. I plan on keeping a close eye on the factory temperature gauge, but I was hoping to more accurately keep track of the actual coolant temperature. Does anyone know if a ScanGauge II can read coolant temps accurately, or is there a less expensive way to do it?

[happymudder10]

I've used a lazer thermometer and shoot it at the t-stat housing. That is pretty accruate.

[Shadowline]

BorderDave, I'm interested in purchasing one of these radiators very soon. How's this particular brand working out for you ? Holding up alright ? How's your temps ?

[Jerry Bransford]

I would definitely stay with the factory specified 195 degree thermostat (it won't run any cooler in the desert with the 180), but let us know how that radiator works out

[Border Dave]

Jerry, I don't think the 180 t-stat makes any difference in warm weather. In cold weather, all it does is allow the system to run a little cooler. Whether that has any positive or negative effects on the motor is debatable. I figured with the 180 t-stat, I could more easily gauge the effectiveness of the radiator at lower air temperatures.

So far, the radiator seems to cool exactly the same as stock, but I'm only using the the gauge on the dash. The days here have been 105 degrees plus. I'm still thinking about getting a ScanGauge II to more accurately read the temps, but I'm getting ready to move to Washington state, so I won't have any time or extra money on my hands for a little while.

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by Border Dave

So far, the radiator seems to cool exactly the same as stock, but I'm only using the the gauge on the dash. The days here have been 105 degrees plus. I'm still thinking about getting a ScanGauge II to more accurately read the temps, but I'm getting ready to move to Washington state, so I won't have any time or extra money on my hands for a little while.

Moving huh? Getting tired of the heat? LOL

Radiator looks good. I've never been a fan of aluminum or plastic radiators, but I wager the aluminum dissipated heat real well. Should it fail before you move, talk with the guys at Sager's on State Street (if they are still there) I've had them custom build many radiators for me over the years. They do great work and can make what you want. Pricey though.

[Border Dave]

Originally Posted by Bigbob

Moving huh? Getting tired of the heat? LOL

Radiator looks good. I've never been a fan of aluminum or plastic radiators, but I wager the aluminum dissipated heat real well. Should it fail before you move, talk with the guys at Sager's on State Street (if they are still there) I've had them custom build many radiators for me over the years. They do great work and can make what you want. Pricey though.

I've been puting up with this heat for over 8 years. It's time for me to go. I've been to Sager's. They did a good job flushing my cooling system a couple years ago. There is still a radiator shop there, but I don't know if it's still Sager's.

[Idaho-Jeep]

Originally Posted by Border Dave

I bought this same radiator... What was done about the two lines at the bottom of the radiator? I assume those are for an oil cooler? Cap off? Leave open?

[Loose Screws]

I have had no problems with my silla, I capped by lower cooler lines in case I ever wanted to use them for something.

[Idaho-Jeep]

Originally Posted by Loose Screws

I have had no problems with my silla, I capped by lower cooler lines in case I ever wanted to use them for something.

Or I assume they could just be left open?

[Loose Screws]

O'h yeah, I left mine open for a month then thought I would cap them so dirt/mud would not get in there.

[Border Dave]

I just wanted to update this post, now that I've been using the Silla Radiator for a little over a month. I've noticed that it does NOT keep the coolant quite as cool as the stock radiator did. In 105 degree heat, the temp on the gauge while driving on the highway would read about 215 to 220 while I was using a 180 degree t-stat. Previously, with the stock radiator, the temp on the gauge would be around 205.

In warmer climates this could make a big difference, especially at lower speeds, but now that I'm living in northern Washington state (and still using a 180 t-stat) it runs around 195-200.

[silvergoat]

Originally Posted by Idaho-Jeep

I bought this same radiator... What was done about the two lines at the bottom of the radiator? I assume those are for an oil cooler? Cap off? Leave open?

Two lines on the bottom are for auto trans lines. You can leave them open but I would cap them just to keep the dirt out. You can use vacume line caps.

[bd1]

Anyone else with experience with these Silla radiators?

[Shadowline]

bd1, I purchased one of these a month or so ago. Zero problems, fit was perfect. Temps for me are about 5-10 degrees cooler. As noted above the wields are kinda screwy looking but it doesn't leak anywhere. And if you get some Never-Dull or similar the top tank can be polished up really nice for a little bling under the hood.