Why do I keep destroying aluminum radiators?!?

[FLYNAVY30]

Originally Posted by nsiti

There is so much controversy over radiators in the market, and on this forum, in terms of price/quality/materials/warranty/ etc., it's astounding! From my research, there are inexpensive, moderately priced, and expensive radiators, but quality doesn't always match the price. After spending a lot of money on your entropy, only to be disappointed, I think you went in the logical direction buying an inexpensive replacement. It should last a good long time and if it leaks you can replace it with another one, guilt-free, since it probably cost half of a moderately priced USA made radiator. Unfortunately, we live in a world where replacing is often cheaper than repairing. I went through the same debate and decided to purchase a radiator from Ron Davis. I thought about it very long and hard given the price was what I considered to be exorbitant. I pray the quality matches the price (haven't installed it yet). Good luck to all!

I did notice....I have a pretty pricey DeWitts aluminum radiator and fan combo in my '64 Corvette. It does not have a top plate on it....just the core and the end tanks so there may be something to the theory that the welded top plate expansion can cause the core welds to crack first. We'll see.....