Foundmine
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Install notes first, mystery/question below.
Install Notes:
I just finished up installing a new, aftermarket radiator, one of the three-core models you can find on Ebay motors. The one I used specifically was: 3ROW Radiator For 1994-2005 Mitsubishi L400 Express Delica Space Gear 2.5 2.8 TD. I was pleased with it when I opened the box, the fit and finish looked on par for what it was being sold as, and the install was pretty straightforward, although I do recommend a second set of hands for removing the old radiator and dropping in the new one as wiring harnesses and the fan shroud get in the way.
The youtube video I used for reference was Removing and replacing the radiator on a Mitsubishi Delica L400 by Delicas Rock. Every thing went well except that the new radiator wasn't perfect to the millimeter. The fan shroud barely fits, and required me widening the hole for the passenger's side bolt on the top. Easily done with a cordless drill. In addition to this, I had to widen one of the two mounting plate bolts for the radiator itself, this required a Dremel tool and a file. Not a big deal. I was afraid that the intercooler mounts would be affected by my needing to edit the fit of the mounting bracket, but the intercooler went back on ok. Once done, the rubber bushing on the mounting plates show the most strain, but I think they will survive. Photos below.
The Mystery:
I think I drained roughly 3.5 gallons of coolant out of the system as per the instructions in the video linked above. I fit about 1.9 gallons back into the system, and left the pressure tank well above the cold/hot level lines assuming that when the engine heated up and the thermostat opened, the system would require more coolant. I ran the van up to temp, and struggled to get it to 193F, with little to no movement in the expansion tank level, although I could see the bleed hose from the radiator bubbling into the tank. The upper radiator hose was hot to the touch but the lower hose was only warm (hot because my arm was in the engine bay but not hot like the upper hose). It also felt firm. I was waiting for it to feel hot and soft, as if coolant was running through it.
I turned on the heat and the rear heat, to move any air bubbles out of the heater cores, to no avail. I will check the level after it cools down tomorrow and remove extra fluid from the expansion tank, but I had assumed I would be able to get the van to temp and replace roughly the amount of coolant I took out, especially with a larger, 3 core radiator (more cores more cooling more coolant?). Photo of the expansion tank below:
At the end of the day, the van is running perfect, so no complaints. Things just didn't go as I had expected, and I don't want to have over looked something that could cause damage or a failure in the future.
Install Notes:
I just finished up installing a new, aftermarket radiator, one of the three-core models you can find on Ebay motors. The one I used specifically was: 3ROW Radiator For 1994-2005 Mitsubishi L400 Express Delica Space Gear 2.5 2.8 TD. I was pleased with it when I opened the box, the fit and finish looked on par for what it was being sold as, and the install was pretty straightforward, although I do recommend a second set of hands for removing the old radiator and dropping in the new one as wiring harnesses and the fan shroud get in the way.
The youtube video I used for reference was Removing and replacing the radiator on a Mitsubishi Delica L400 by Delicas Rock. Every thing went well except that the new radiator wasn't perfect to the millimeter. The fan shroud barely fits, and required me widening the hole for the passenger's side bolt on the top. Easily done with a cordless drill. In addition to this, I had to widen one of the two mounting plate bolts for the radiator itself, this required a Dremel tool and a file. Not a big deal. I was afraid that the intercooler mounts would be affected by my needing to edit the fit of the mounting bracket, but the intercooler went back on ok. Once done, the rubber bushing on the mounting plates show the most strain, but I think they will survive. Photos below.
The Mystery:
I think I drained roughly 3.5 gallons of coolant out of the system as per the instructions in the video linked above. I fit about 1.9 gallons back into the system, and left the pressure tank well above the cold/hot level lines assuming that when the engine heated up and the thermostat opened, the system would require more coolant. I ran the van up to temp, and struggled to get it to 193F, with little to no movement in the expansion tank level, although I could see the bleed hose from the radiator bubbling into the tank. The upper radiator hose was hot to the touch but the lower hose was only warm (hot because my arm was in the engine bay but not hot like the upper hose). It also felt firm. I was waiting for it to feel hot and soft, as if coolant was running through it.
I turned on the heat and the rear heat, to move any air bubbles out of the heater cores, to no avail. I will check the level after it cools down tomorrow and remove extra fluid from the expansion tank, but I had assumed I would be able to get the van to temp and replace roughly the amount of coolant I took out, especially with a larger, 3 core radiator (more cores more cooling more coolant?). Photo of the expansion tank below:
At the end of the day, the van is running perfect, so no complaints. Things just didn't go as I had expected, and I don't want to have over looked something that could cause damage or a failure in the future.
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