TR2/3/3A Replacement radiators

[TR3-Stu]

I did look at previous posts about replacement radiators, but most were over 12 years ago. Does anyone have recent experience with TR3 replacement radiators from TRF?

 

[sp53]

You might be able to have yours taken apart rodded out at a repair shop. I would suggest keeping the starting hole in the radiator for working on the engine like setting the valves and points by turning the motor nice and slow with the starting crank handle. TRF products are usually high quality, so you are good with that. A new radiator is always nice.

A tr3 stock fan is often not adequate for cooling in traffic. I would suggest a tropical stock fan, or I think Macys sells an aftermarket tropical fan that looks like it should do the job, but I have not tried one. I have an old stock tropical fan with a 160 sleeved thermostat.

steve

 

[TFB]

The $250 aluminum radiators with fan on ebay would be very tempting if I needed a replacement for my Wizard.
Tom

 

[sammy]

I went with a radiator from Wizard Cooling with the built in electric fan. Far from being the cheapest, but I am impressed with the quality of the radiator. The welds look incredible. I have been extremely pleased so far. Even using a modern thermostat, the temperature stays put no matter how far I drive or how long I sit in traffic. For full disclosure, I also installed the 5 vane water pump and the cooling shroud around the radiator. I installed the Moss fan hub eliminator so I have good room to turn the engine with a socket.

 

[TR3-Stu]

Thanks for all the suggestions and assistance. I did check with the only local radiator shop that still dos re-coring and the cost was about the same as a new radiator. I decided to go with a new Wizzard Cooling aluminum radiator as they had positive reviews in the forum, and are made in the US.

 

[bobhustead]

I have the crank hole in mine and recognize its potential convenience. However, the tubes in a radiator that are blocked off for the hole are just dead water spaces that reduce overall surface for water to metal to air heat transfer. If I were doing it again, I would not have the hole.
Bob

 

[Stevenry]

For turning the engine slowly for valve adjustments and the like, I start with plenty of room in front of the car and pull it forward in 4th gear.

Steve

 

[bobhustead]

Steve
I grab a fan blade and pull.
Bob

 

[LuckyLeo]

Turning by the fan always works for me too