EA82T and Dual Core Radiators

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:36 pm

I have noticed that my radiator is a little worse for wear.
Normal cruising its ok, but with the air con on, it starts to heat up.

Now...

Ive done a coulpe of searches but im still a little confused.

The core?
Liberty or Impreza.... liberty tanks are on the ends, impreza tanks are top and bottom, is that right? So a liberty radiator (which is longer than the l series) with about 20mm cut off the end will fit the L series frame?

End tanks?
Ive seen mention of Gemini, Tarago and Rodeo tanks.
Is this for EA82T engines or for EJ20 conversions?

We should make a write up and put it in the Tech section for future reference

Thanks

steve_rising_sun · Post by **steve_rising_sun** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:03 pm

Hi we use the old MY tanks and the radiator people fit up a twin core
Steve

Post by **Alex** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:49 pm

ive got a custom dual core, running copper gemini end tanks i THINK, set me back a fair few $$$ though.

i have heard of liberty radiators fitting, but with a fair bit of chopping, they also have fatter inlets and outlets.

alex

discopotato03 · Post by **discopotato03** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:40 pm

My answer was to fit a new std L radiator and a Davies Craig thermo switch to hijack the radiators elec fan switch . That switch is just a temp controlled earth to trigger the fan control relay .

I now think the L rad is not too bad if its in good condition - provided that by what ever means it takes you can drag enough air through it .
I think the std viscous coupled fan is a little lacking but I don't know what condition my water pumps impeller is in . I'm just getting into rebuilding a Vortex engine for it so I'll leave it alone while its operating ok - don't want to buy two new water pumps !

If I were you I'd pull the rad out a get a good radiator specialist to check its condition . If its stuffed there's your answer , if its fine I'd look at the thermostat and water pump . Obviously the std system worked well enough in the past so it'd be handy to know whats changed .

Cheers A .

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:19 pm

Its the origional radiator, so its 15yo
Just looking at it i can tell its cactus. Most of the fins are either broken off and blocking the air path, or are missing alltogether.

New waterpump and thermostat. One origional Subaru radiator fan (drivers side) and a slim thermo fan on the left. Both run off the thermoswitch on the side of the radiator.

My concern is that on a hot day, and after i install the WAIC, the little old radiator will be running at its limit.

The radiator guy might be able to get me a liberty core, mount it in the l series frame, and make up end tanks for me. He has a pile of spare tanks in the corner of his shop.

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 11:29 pm

In my RX i have a twin core impreza radiator but with L series end tank one end and a custom one the other end. The core width is 32mm

subanator · Post by **subanator** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 11:34 pm

I agree with discopotato03, I had in my old EA82T a brand new standard radiator and it worked great, A/C on on hot days, no worries.
A partial blocked radiator will drop flow by even 20% will cause problems, imagine a 15yo radiator thats never been flushed or had the caps off and rodded out??
Do yourself a favour, put only demineralised water distilled water with concentrated coolant to the correct ratio or premixed coolant back in - no tap water. Rain water is ok.