Question about damage to new radiator from shipping

[PKFan]

I just received this Denso radiator via FedEx and there was some damage to the box. Should I be concerned about the damage to the radiator in the pic below (ignore the shadows - it's the crushed bit in the middle)?

 

[dogememe]

It's probably fine. You could always plug the lower hose hole and fill it with water to make sure it doesn't leak prior to installing. Sure it won't be pressurized like the cooling system in a car ends up but it beats putting it in just to find the coolant coming out as quick as you pour it in.

 

[Dave9]

I second that. Minor damage like this is pretty common.

 

[GMBoy]

Common and not an issue.

 

[Chris142]

naw no problem there. ive seen them bent into almost a U

 

[michaelluscher]

It took RockAuto (really FedEx ) 3 tries to ship me a Denso radiator that arrived in one piece

Depending on how hard it is to change, I'd ask for a replacement

Or you could leak test it yourself and roll with it

 

[skyactiv]

Soon as I saw FedEx in your post I'm not surprised.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

That's not a problem at all! EVERY radiator will have a few crushed fins.

 

[Passport1]

I ordered one years ago from eEuroparts. Came damaged like that, maybe a bit worse. I contacted them and requested another with instructions on returning the damaged radiator. They told me to keep the original one and sent me another. So I got 10 years service from the good one and the other sat in my shed. I took it to a radiator shop and they told me it was fine. It has been in the old Volvo for 10 more years now. No problem.

Two for the price of one. Ridgy didge

 

[14.1 Grms]

First bug you meet on the interstate will do the same thing.

Lucked out that you got a working radiator first try. Having worked at FedEx for a bit, they could find a way to break a solid steel bar.

 

[Jdeere562]

I've damaged them more than that, just installing one in a tight area.

 

[Kantaro]

How does Denso packaged their radiators? I was surprised my Nissens made it without any damage, but I think it was helpful that the package had handles.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Bent fins are fine, bent tubes are not good. You have no idea if a crack was formed when its bent. And the attached fins can tear the tube.
The problem is they need to use very thick card board and alot of foam. Just bad packaging.

 

[PKFan]

How does Denso packaged their radiators? I was surprised my Nissens made it without any damage, but I think it was helpful that the package had handles.

View attachment 209287

My packaging was similar. It was ordered from RockAuto.

 

[brages]

I once got a Denso condenser for a good price because it had a little damage. Worse than that. It worked fine.

 

[oldcodger]

Take some needle nosed pliers and gently straighten the fins. Don't mess with the tube. Leak test before installation. Should be good to go.

 

[Aredeeem]

Perhaps a fin comb might straighten them out. Amazon offers a few.

 

[Tomioka]

ACDelco rad since were now comparing rad packing methods. Expanding foam on the corners and Styrofoam blocks in the center. Couple bent fins but straight as a blade. Plugs on the Engine/Transmission oil cooler QC fittings is a nice touch. And I meant solid actual plugs with o-ring seals and twist-lock into the QC fittings, not crummy plastic caps. Had to keep them for less mess rad removal in the future.

 

[hemitom]

Do you guys not see the bent and bulging tubes.
i would not accept it....

 

[bdcardinal]

Took 3 tries to get a 6.4 Super Duty radiator for a customer that didn't leak out of the box. These were ones from Ford using their dedicated delivery service to us.