The radiator on my 95 965 finally gave up the ghost at 95K miles. The hose connection at the inlet tank has completely seperated. Luckily, the engine never overheated.

I'm looking at my options. I can get the radiator tanks replaced for around $100. I can get a new Nissens of the same type for around $200. For a bit more I can get a Nissens with metal tanks.

The re-tanking has the benefit of least cost. If the repair is of good quality I should get eight more years out of it. Of course the cost of cooling failure on one of these engines equates to basically throwing the car away.

Getting an OEM replacement should give me eight more years before I go thru this again. I wouldn't have to worry about the quality of the radiator repair. It's only $100 more, right?

Getting the metal tanked radiator would get rid of that failure mode, but what would the effect on cooling system chemsitry be. How might this affect the aluminum engine?

Then there is the question of antifreeze. If I go to the repair or OEM option I'm thinking of going over to Dexol Orange coolant. If I go to the metal tanked radiator will I have to go to green glycol antifreeze?

I know this is a subject with a lot of strong opinions and I eagerly await your input on this subject.
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Blane Gardner Couple of Volvos, a Couple of Old Chebbies, and a Toyota Van