Cooling System Gurus- I need some help

[darkhorrus]

So, I own a 93 BMW 318is which happens to have a motor swap from a 95 m3 in it(amongst many other things). At the beginning of the summer, I was doing a cooling system refresh and I decided to purchase a VSL All Aluminum Radiator(Side tanks with quality welds to the core).

Now, at the end of the summer(around august) I noticed that the radiator core had blown(where the cooling rows go into the side tanks on both sides). Now, having paid about $250 for a "Performance radiator" I wasnt too happy. I emailed the company and a few days later, I received a new Radiator. I installed it and recently(2 days ago) I noticed that the same thing had happened- there was coolant leaking from where the cooling rows go into the side tanks)

Currently, my cooling setup is as follows- VSL 3 Row all aluminum radiator, Mishimoto 3-Ply Silicone radiator hoses, "Verocious Motorsports" 2 ply Silicone cooling hoses(on all connections). Euro Coolant tank(self-bleeds the system) 80*c thermostat(stock is 92*C), 16" Puller Fan(rated at 1400cfm)- which is wired to an 85*c fan control(~185*f) and also a manual switch... During the summer, I will also use some "water wetter" as well if I'm planning on being in traffic.... Needless to say, the system works flawlessly. No hose bursts or overheating- the weak link is the radiator...

So now I have 2 questions
1- how does ones radiator blow up under these conditions? the motor is running at a cooler temperature(lower pressure than OEM on the entire system), there are no headgasket issues or anything and I'm baffled why the radiator would blow(unless it wasnt quality) Also, there isnt any coolant/oil seepage and everything seems fines..

2- What is a good aftermarket(preferably all-aluminum) Radiator manufacturer? I'm awfully tired of replacing my radiator x.x

[UnderCoverGuy11]

It's definitely the radiator itself, sorry to say but you got 2 duds. A quality welded Radiator would hold the pressure, the expansion tank should blow if anything. I would get your Rad Cap tested to make sure its releasing the pressure regardless.

I have a Mishimoto Aluminum Rad, and I LOVE it, I've never heard anything bad and they also have the No questions asked Lifetime warranty.

[BMWdriverwanted]

Hard to say how much preassure is in your system, but, you could get another radiator, take it to the shop and have them preassure test it before you install it.

[MrDGAF]

It all comes down to the welds, high quality welds will hold any pressure thats throw at them. As in your pressure cap or hoses would give way before the radiator does. Save up and get a koyo, or other quality product


It's definitely the radiator itself, sorry to say but you got 2 duds. A quality welded Radiator would hold the pressure, the expansion tank should blow if anything. I would get your Rad Cap tested to make sure its releasing the pressure regardless.

I have a Mishimoto Aluminum Rad, and I LOVE it, I've never heard anything bad and they also have the No questions asked Lifetime warranty.

I've had a mishimoto and it was junk right out of the box, they sent me a new one and to this day the guy who I sold the car to still has it in working wonders. Like you said the OP might of just got unlucky an recieved two duds.

[randomy]

My mishimoto rad failed just in the last few weeks. I've been smelling coolant when I have exited the car after a drive. I found the leak this weekend, I submitted a warranty claim this morning. We'll see hot it turns out.
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