P38 Radiator

Range Rover P38 - Alloy Radiator

There is nothing inherently wrong with the original radiator, but there have been a number of cases of the plastic top tank splitting which also happened to me. As my radiator had just been fitted when I bought the car four years previously I suspect that the quality of some aftermarket radiators may be questionable.
The standard radiators are not that expensive in the grand scheme of things but that doesn't help when yours does split and leaves you stranded somewhere (likely in heavy traffic when it will be under most strain). Therefore I bit the bullet and spent twice as much on an all alloy replacement.

Preparation and Installation

The radiator I have used is made by Direnza and is almost a direct replacement; there is just a little easy preparation work to do first.

If you look closely at the moulded in 'pipe' along the top of the upper tank you can make out a split along it.

The good news is that all of the holes, brackets and connections on the replacement alloy radiator appear to be in the correct place.

The plastic fan shroud is designed to mate against the curve plastic top tank.

The new alloy top tank it square section so the tangs on the shroud will need cutting off. This is simply a case of scoring along them with a sharp blade and the snapping them off.

The shroud also needs cutting away to give some clearance around the hose connections.

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That is all the trimming of the shroud that is required.

When slotting the radiator into position you will notice that the upper mounts are made to a much tighter tolerance than the moulded plastic originals. If your mounting frame has got a bit twisted over time you will want to straighten it first.

The lower bolt holes did not quite line up on mine meaning I had to elongate the holes in the mounting frames slightly.

Disappointingly the new radiator didn't come with bolts. The old radiator used different size bolts so I had to search the shed for some suitable replacements.

All fitted. You will notice that I actually trimmed slightly too much from the top edge of my fan shroud.
Warning!!!
As a result of this radiators greater efficiency that nice shiny surface becomes scolding hot! So if you open the bonnet after a journey do not casually lean on the slam panel as you will get burnt!

Job done!

So, does it make a difference? Is it worth the not inconsiderable extra cost (up to twice as much as the standard aftermarket replacements)?
Well, the viscous fan is kicking in more often as it absorbs the extra heat that this radiator it transferring from the coolant so that's a good indication that it is more effective. A year after fitting I have no complaints.

The contents of this website are purely a reflection of my own experiences and knowledge gained whilst working on my various projects. Anything you do based on what you have read here is done so entirely at your own risk.
Personally I wouldn't trust someone like me with a lawn mower! You have been warned! Flapper-bat!