Original vs Omix-ADA radiator

Anyway, I decided to try a different radiator and the cost of the Walcks copper and steel replacements made me choke so I decided to try one of the Omix-ADA repops. I found the best price from Summit with their free shipping.

This little video is just a visual comparison of the two. Since it's January and there is snow on the ground and a bunch more on the way, I won't really have a good chance to test it out functionally until the spring.

Here's the video.

Before anyone mentions it, yes, I’ve installed a 160 deg. thermostat and even drilled four 1/8” holes in it.  I’ve also gone to a 13# radiator cap (instead of the 4#) which helps, but the problem is too few fins per inch on my replacement radiator (which also makes it lighter than the original, all other things equal) coupled with the motor being 60 thousandths over.

So, I’m really interested in your results and findings.  Keep us informed👍🏻

Here’s Omix-ADA’s page on this radiator. They say it’s aluminum and steel.

Thanks for the link to this radiator study, Stan.  I too may have a rad in my future and all of the different options leave me a bit confused.  Prices from, what, $250 - $600 +-.  I am anxious to hear how the Omix one works for you.  Sure wish they could have drilled it for the fan extension though.

Rick, which rad did you buy?  Was it one of the "USA made" ones offered by KW or Walcks?  I'm very surprised you still run hot after a new replacement.  Could you have some blockage in your engine?  It sounds like you have tried everything.

  Are you going to carry your old one as a spare?    BW

I personally avoid them, because of the potential problems i would have in trying to return a part due to my location. It's just not worth the risk to me. But it is probably unfair to write off ALL O-A parts just because some are  known to be bad.

It would be wonderful to have a list of known good O-A parts that could be bought with confidence. Maybe this could be a long term forum project that could be built up over time as Members try products of theirs. A list of known bad parts could be equally helpful (and might be the quicker list to add to!)

Hi Stan:

Thanks for the informative video.  Because your old cooling problems occurred mostly at speed on the highway, you might want to fabricate some brackets for your new radiator to hold the felt top and side pieces against the radiator so all the air coming through the grill goes through the radiator rather than some around it.  You might be able to attach your custom felt brackets to your new radiator using the bolts and nuts along each side.

The U.S. Army conducted cooling tests on the MB/GPW in sand dunes at their Desert Training Center in the California desert from April to September, 1942. Temperatures were in the one hundred degree range and occasionally reached the hundred teens. They discovered the addition of a ring extension to the radiator shroud that completely encompassed the fan blades increased the cooling differential by 7 to 8 degrees. You did not mention whether you had the CJ-2A shroud extension on your old radiator. before you removed it. Nevertheless, I'd suggest you figure out a way to install a CJ-2A radiator fan shroud extension on your new radiator, as that will improve cooling. If by chance you don't have one, Walck's sells a nice reproduction for $49.95, well worth the cost IMO.          

I look forward to following your progress on this project.  Have fun with it, and stay cool.