I am thinking that my old 86 is due for a new radiator. When going over the pass this weekend, the temp guage went up to about 1/3rd which is hotter than it ever has while going over the pass. I eliminate the thermostat as a culprit since it is a newer Mazda one, and the water pump has just been replaced (not that it would make much difference).

So what are my radiator options and what do you guys suggest?? Here are the possibilities I have come up with so far.

1. Have my old radiator serviced.
2. Get another one from the junkyard.
3. Get a new OEM Mazda unit.
4. A new aftermarket unit.

If aftermarket is the best answer, what are good brands to go with? I know a lot of people get fluidyne radiators, but that is probably out of my budget. Any suggestions welcome! Thanks

 

if you're only at 1/3 I doubt you have a problem... first thing to buy would be a temp gauge.

 

Yeah, but it used to stay at just barely above the low end of the nominal temp range and wouldnt fluctuate at all. Now if I am doing normal city or highway driving the guage will stay at just barely above, and if I am under load it will creep up to 1/3, it never used to do that. It tells me that the radiator isnt keeping up anymore.

 

id get mazdatrix's double core 1