K2RD radiator... Initial impressions and problems.
09-02-03, 09:41 PM
#1
K2RD radiator... Initial impressions and problems.
Some of you might know that I spent the weekend installing the K2RD radiator in my 10th AE. Now that its in, after having to buy a half size Optima battery, and putting in a Perma-Cool finger chopper e-fan, I am somewhat dissappointed in the cooling I am getting from this radiator.
Now, for my disclaimer... Yes I am using the stock temp gauge to measure (or should I say compare) the readings from the stock setup to the setup now.
Having said that, here is what I am seeing. Temps now hover around the 1/2 way point, as opposed to 1/4 point with the old setup. Adding a fan shroud to the E-fan setup didnt seem to change anything. I have checked the system multiple times for bubbles, etc...
Anyone have similar experiences with the same radiator?
Jarrett
Now, for my disclaimer... Yes I am using the stock temp gauge to measure (or should I say compare) the readings from the stock setup to the setup now.
Having said that, here is what I am seeing. Temps now hover around the 1/2 way point, as opposed to 1/4 point with the old setup. Adding a fan shroud to the E-fan setup didnt seem to change anything. I have checked the system multiple times for bubbles, etc...
Anyone have similar experiences with the same radiator?
Jarrett
09-04-03, 11:55 AM
#3
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,993
Received 2,691 Likes
on
1,905 Posts
thats odd, i have that radiator on my 20b and it works fine. try checking the radiator caps
mike
mike
09-04-03, 01:33 PM
#4
Well, I am still having the same problems. Running about 1/2 on the gauge.
However the fan I am running is unshrouded. I was planning to change the caps and thermostat, any suggestions on radiator caps?
I am also thinking of switching to a shrouded fan, I just havent figured out which one will cover more of the radiator. Maybe the black magic?
Jarrett
However the fan I am running is unshrouded. I was planning to change the caps and thermostat, any suggestions on radiator caps?
I am also thinking of switching to a shrouded fan, I just havent figured out which one will cover more of the radiator. Maybe the black magic?
Jarrett
09-04-03, 02:25 PM
#5
The Dude Abides
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: san jose, ca
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What kind of driving have you been doing? With an electric fan and no shroud, perhaps the only difference you'd see is from hard driving on a track. Just a guess.
09-04-03, 02:46 PM
#7
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Sinking Spring Pa.
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First off, you need to go get yourself a good aftermarket water temp gauge so you know if you really even have a prolbem or not. The stock gauge isnt consistant at all.
Trending Topics
09-04-03, 03:00 PM
#8
Originally posted by 1FastT2
First off, you need to go get yourself a good aftermarket water temp gauge so you know if you really even have a prolbem or not. The stock gauge isnt consistant at all.
First off, you need to go get yourself a good aftermarket water temp gauge so you know if you really even have a prolbem or not. The stock gauge isnt consistant at all.
I am convinced its a deficiency in my cooling system, and NOT a problem with the radiator. Sooo... Its off to the dealer for some parts. New pump, thermostat, and cap.
Jarrett
09-04-03, 04:16 PM
#9
Rotary Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The Boro, TN
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what cfm fan are you using? That may be your problem, i know that with the stock radiator, your supposed to use above a 2700cfm? so you should be using atleast that ifnot more!
=Chris
=Chris
09-04-03, 08:36 PM
#12
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Ventura County, CA
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, Jarrett, I bet it's like 115 degrees out there. Last time I was in Tucson in the summer, my gauge showed operating temps right at half mark. Here in CA with the SAME SETUP, I am running at about 1/8 mark on average-- NEVER more than 1/4. Although I agree it should be cooler than before, consider how hot it was before the swap compared to outside temps today-- how does it run at night?
PJ
PJ
09-04-03, 08:53 PM
#14
Originally posted by PJ-4.2L
Well, Jarrett, I bet it's like 115 degrees out there. Last time I was in Tucson in the summer, my gauge showed operating temps right at half mark. Here in CA with the SAME SETUP, I am running at about 1/8 mark on average-- NEVER more than 1/4. Although I agree it should be cooler than before, consider how hot it was before the swap compared to outside temps today-- how does it run at night?
PJ
Well, Jarrett, I bet it's like 115 degrees out there. Last time I was in Tucson in the summer, my gauge showed operating temps right at half mark. Here in CA with the SAME SETUP, I am running at about 1/8 mark on average-- NEVER more than 1/4. Although I agree it should be cooler than before, consider how hot it was before the swap compared to outside temps today-- how does it run at night?
PJ
Jarrett
09-05-03, 05:41 PM
#15
Okay, as much as I hate to admit it, I was right. The cooling system was bad, not the radiator.
Installed a Mazda OEM thermostat and replaced the rad caps. Now that thing runs so cool its scary.
Now I am one happy rat!!!!
Pics on install to come!
Jarrett
Installed a Mazda OEM thermostat and replaced the rad caps. Now that thing runs so cool its scary.
Now I am one happy rat!!!!
Pics on install to come!
Jarrett
09-06-03, 03:49 AM
#17
Great?!?! That thing is AMAZING!! I boosted the living tar outta my motor in 100+ degree heat today. Then drove straight to a Taco Bell and sat in the drive thru for about 10 mins. Then boosted all the way home..Did I mention it was over 100 degrees? Anyways the temp gauge never passed 1/8 on the gauge (YES I AM GETTING A REAL TEMP GAUGE!!).
My car has NEVER ran this cool.
Jarrett
My car has NEVER ran this cool.
Jarrett
09-06-03, 09:14 AM
#19
Rotary Freak
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1FastT2 -- is that a stock radiator i see?!?!?!!? Youre pushing damn near 400hp@@!!!$!#! I am very impressed with the stock cooling system.
Just gotta fix mine! lol
Just gotta fix mine! lol
09-06-03, 01:48 PM
#25
Rotary Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Daytona beach
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
J-rat thanks so much on the info. I hate to say it, but members like you give us guys an idea on what to buy when it come to performace parts. Its like a lot of people here are test rabbits so that others can have an upper advantage when buying a product.
-Orlando
-Orlando