How to Measure a Radiator
There are two types of radiator designs:
- Downflow Radiators
- Crossflow Radiators
Your first step in the successfully measuring your radiator, is determine which type of radiator your vehicle requires.
Downflow Radiators
A downflow radiator has its tanks mounted on the top and bottom of the radiator core where the coolant travels vertically from the top tank to the bottom. (See Figure 1)
Proper measurement of the downflow radiator in figure #1 would be taken as follows:
- Dimension "A" between the tanks
- Dimension "B" between the support rails
Crossflow Radiators
A crossflow radiator has its tanks mounted on each side of the radiator core where the cooling travels horizontally from one tank to the other. (See Figure 2)
Again, the size of a radiator is determined by the dimensions of the core only. Proper measurement of the crossflow radiator, shown in figure #2 would be taken as follows:
- Dimension "A" between the tanks
- Dimension "B" between the support rails
Measuring Radiator Core Size
The thickness of the radiator core can be measured easiest by inserting a wire between the fins of the core until it is flush on the other side. Mark the wire, then measure it to get the correct dimension. (See figure #2, dimension C)
If you have any questions about measuring your radiator for proper fit, please don't hestitate to give us a call at 1-800-291-3279 between the hours of 8:00am EST and 5:00pm EST and we'll be glad to help you.