stock radiator & alternator

[DMCflux]

Is anyone still using their original radiator and/or alternator on their D that is driven 500+ miles a year?

[DeLorean03]

Replaced both.

[Exolis]

I have both original but I only have about 17k Miles on it.

[dmc6960]

Does 500+ miles a year mean 550 miles a year? Or 5000 miles a year?

If your sub-1000 a year, stock Motorola alternator and stock non-leaking radiator, you'll be fine with frequent inspections of the radiator (particularly where the side tanks are crimped on).

If your over 1000 a year I'd probably replace the radiator just because, but if you still have a Motorola alternator you're probably good.

If you have a Ducellier alternator replace it now even if you drive 100 miles a year.

[DMCflux]

Does 500+ miles a year mean 550 miles a year? Or 5000 miles a year?

If your sub-1000 a year, stock Motorola alternator and stock non-leaking radiator, you'll be fine with frequent inspections of the radiator (particularly where the side tanks are crimped on).

If your over 1000 a year I'd probably replace the radiator just because, but if you still have a Motorola alternator you're probably good.

If you have a Ducellier alternator replace it now even if you drive 100 miles a year.

I plan on going to the Indy event, my only concern is the radiator, I have 26k on my car with stock radiator and no signs of leakage. Approx 350mi. Trip (one way)
The alternator is Motorola but it is showing signs of possible melting inside from drips underneath it.

[Mark D]

I just replaced my stock radiator with one of the new DMCH improved all aluminum radiators. My original one was not leaking (32k miles on the odometer) but as many others have stated the plastic side tanks are a common place for cracks or leaks to start. I waited until I replaced all the stock rubber coolant hoses to make the radiator swap.

[David T]

The alternator is no big deal as long as it is not the Ducey. The radiator, on the other hand, if it is original, is over 30 years old. It is past it's designed lifetime and will fail. When it does fail it is rather impressive with that BIG cloud of white smoke! The left hand tank will blow off and the coolant flashes into steam. You are now stuck and if you do not shut the motor off quickly you will pop the head gaskets.
David Teitelbaum

[DMCflux]

Just ordered new radiator from DMCMW :smile:

[jawn101]

How hard is it to replace the radiator without disconnecting the condenser? My rad (not OEM, but old) is starting to leak at a side tank and I'm starting to plan a replacement there too.

[dmc6960]

How hard is it to replace the radiator without disconnecting the condenser? My rad (not OEM, but old) is starting to leak at a side tank and I'm starting to plan a replacement there too.

Get the car high enough then you can drop-swing the condenser out of the way. Did it years ago on another owner's car. Pretty easy, just make sure your supporting it well and dont damage the lines or condenser ends.

[jawn101]

Get the car high enough then you can drop-swing the condenser out of the way. Did it years ago on another owner's car. Pretty easy, just make sure your supporting it well and dont damage the lines or condenser ends.

Will the whole condenser-radiator-fan assembly come out as one unit? I installed my new fans without dropping any of this and it was really, really hard :)

[Mark D]

The condenser and radiator will come out as a unit if you disconnect the AC hoses, but I doubt that is the route you want to go. You're much better off unbolting the condenser from the radiator and pulling the radiator out separately. I had my car up on jack stands and was able to do it in about a half hour.

First I loosened up the whole big assembly which gave me room to shift things around a little more to access the condenser to radiator retaining bolts. Once the condenser was free I unbolted the radiator the rest of the way and removed it (with fans and shroud intact) then removed the fan shroud/fan assy.

I used some zip ties to help support the condenser so it wasn't just hanging there by the hoses.