2007 Dodge Grand Caravan - leaking radiator - Spectra brand OK?

[Number_35]

The title pretty much says it - the rad has developed a significant leak, and because we only run the one vehicle, I plan to replace the rad rather than remove it for repair.

My (typically) lowest-cost parts store can bring in a Spectra rad for $280 + 12% sales taxes.

I can get a Denso from RA for c. $200 delivered, taxes in.

My preference for buying something here is let me do the repair ASAP.

Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I would choose Denso over Spectra

How much more is a Mopar radiator?

 

[Tdbo]

Second on the Denso.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

I put a Spectra in my wife's JKU a few years back and I am 95% sure it was same as original. It looked identical.

 

[Johnny248]

Most of your aftermarket radiators are pretty much the same. Have used them all. Feel happy with your Spectra.

 

[zzyzzx]

I've used 2 Spectra Premium radiators (both made in Canada) and would use them again (not sure if COO is still in North America though).

 

[DriveHard]

I have used two Spectra...both worked fine, and fit perfectly.

 

[2009Caraman]

I put a Spectra heater core in a caravan 3 years ago…no issues. For $80 saved though I would wait for the denso.

 

[GMBoy]

Spectra radiators have been just as good as the others but one thing to never run made by Spectra is a fuel pump. Given that if I was given the choice I would choose the Denso or even a TYC brand.

 

[Gasbuggy]

They've been fine for me. Put a couple of the GM walnut cubes in there.

 

[Number_35]

I've used 2 Spectra Premium radiators (both made in Canada) and would use them again (not sure if COO is still in North America though).

Mine was made in China.

 

[Number_35]

I would choose Denso over Spectra

How much more is a Mopar radiator?

Here, probably a fortune. I may check with a dealer just to find out.

 

[Number_35]

Thanks all! I went with the Spectra - $280, and taxes pushed it to about $320. I would have preferred the Denso, but also want to get the repair done ASAP. Also considered taking the old one to a local rad shop, but that would have involved carrying it in a bike trailer across town, plus extended downtime. Basically, I had yesterday to get it done.

Also considered the possibility of the leak getting a lot worse quickly, and stranding my wife somewhere while waiting for the Denso to come in.

Anyway, the difference in cost between RA and local (c. $120) started to look insignificant compared to the potential downsides.

The job went well.

Roomy engine bay with the rad and fan housing out:

These connectors, for the fan motors, are sometimes challenging, but they came apart OK:

Old and new:

Pulled one plug while in there. This is an NGK Iridium. Gap spec is 0.050". My wire gauge only goes up to 0.045", so I can't be sure what the gap is now.

It appeared to be a bit wide, but not excessively so (55 thou?). Should there be an iridium pad on the ground electrode? If so, it has either worn away or broken off. Only c. 50K km (30K miles) on the plugs.

Engine runs well, with no misfire codes.

Change out the plugs? If so, platinum, iridium, or ruthenium?

 

[Number_35]

I would choose Denso over Spectra

How much more is a Mopar radiator?

Per Genuine Mopar Parts (Canadian site) - C$608 + sales tax + shipping

 

[meep]

If you put those back in, clean em up first!

 

[Number_35]

If you put those back in, clean em up first!

Just pulled the one for now. Did a bit of research - the factory specs 0.050", and the NGK Iridium plugs come gapped at 0.052", so the gap is probably good.

What looked like wear on the ground electrode (or possibly a missing precious-metal tab) is actually how the plug looks when new, so I'm inclined to leave them alone for another year or so.

 

[D60]

Thanks all! I went with the Spectra - $280, and taxes pushed it to about $320. I would have preferred the Denso, but also want to get the repair done ASAP. Also considered taking the old one to a local rad shop, but that would have involved carrying it in a bike trailer across town, plus extended downtime. Basically, I had yesterday to get it done.

Also considered the possibility of the leak getting a lot worse quickly, and stranding my wife somewhere while waiting for the Denso to come in.

Anyway, the difference in cost between RA and local (c. $120) started to look insignificant compared to the potential downsides.

The job went well.

Roomy engine bay with the rad and fan housing out:
View attachment 215835

These connectors, for the fan motors, are sometimes challenging, but they came apart OK:
View attachment 215836

Old and new:
View attachment 215837

Pulled one plug while in there. This is an NGK Iridium. Gap spec is 0.050". My wire gauge only goes up to 0.045", so I can't be sure what the gap is now.

It appeared to be a bit wide, but not excessively so (55 thou?). Should there be an iridium pad on the ground electrode? If so, it has either worn away or broken off. Only c. 50K km (30K miles) on the plugs.

Engine runs well, with no misfire codes.

Change out the plugs? If so, platinum, iridium, or ruthenium?
View attachment 215838

You're killing me. If you're going to do this type of work you can afford a gap gauge or set of feelers that exceeds .045"

Even the little tapered discs they keep at the FLAPS checkout as an impulse buy are good enough

https://www.autozone.com/clamps-and-measuring-tools/spark-plug-gap-gauge/p/autozone-spark-plug-gap-gauge/69933_0_0?searchText=Gap+gauge

 

[D60]

$5.45 US for a feeler gauge set delivered to your door. You don't even have to ride your bike trailer back to your FLAPS:

32 Blade Feeler Gauge Metric & SAE Dual Reading Combination Gap Thicknes Measure | eBay

1 x Feeler Guage. You will be pleasantly surprised by our service.

www.ebay.com

 

[Number_35]

You're killing me. If you're going to do this type of work you can afford a gap gauge or set of feelers that exceeds .045"

Even the little tapered discs they keep at the FLAPS checkout as an impulse buy are good enough

https://www.autozone.com/clamps-and-measuring-tools/spark-plug-gap-gauge/p/autozone-spark-plug-gap-gauge/69933_0_0?searchText=Gap+gauge

Guilty as charged! I have the disc with the ramped edge, but am told they can damage fine-electrode plugs.

I guess it's a sign of the wire gauge's age (and mine) that it maxes out at 45 thou.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

For the spark plugs, get Denso Iridium TT. Pair them with NGK wires.