Single or double core rad? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

NexusRift · 05-19-2009, 08:02 PM

Well I did some searches in here using the key words, RADIATOR, COOLANT and CORE. Sorry to say, I didn't see anything that would answer my query.

I went to my local auto parts store and inquired of a rad for my wagon. After providing all info pertinent to find the correct one, the guy asks me if it's a single or double core rad.?!?!?!?!? WTF????

He wasn't helpful with identifying one or the other either, but assured me that the listing is correct for my needs.

Here's the info;
1991 Toyota Corolla Wagon
1.6 L 4AFE
Three speed automatic trans
NO AC
PS and PB only.

Would anyone know how to identify said radiator, and/or know which core design my wagon actually is?
BTW. I don't know if AE92 Wagons came with half sized rads, but mine's a full size one.
Cheers!
N.

kcwa · 05-19-2009, 08:17 PM

A double core radiator has more surface area and will cool better than a single core. The 1991 shop manual shows a single core, but hard to say if just showing a generic graphic or not. If I was to replace mine, I would probably opt for the double core and made sure that the size would still fit in place of the one I took out. I just like the idea of having a bit more cooling fluid available...definitely would be nice in warmer climates but probably would take a bit longer to warm up in the colder ones. What was the price difference being quoted between the two?

NexusRift · 05-20-2009, 12:11 AM

Thanks man.
When the parts guy told me that, my first thought was it's gotta be the two core one, 'cuz I've an automatic, but I realize that that isn't always the case. I'm also in Canada, so Canadian market specific 'Yotas might be equipped differently for our more northerly climate.

I've got the 1991 Corolla factory service manual, and looking at the drawings, it's hard to tell. Besides, they're just diagrams and drawings. Though helpful, I don't overly trust their accuracy in regards to proper representation of how the component actually appears.

I'll take a boo at 'er tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be able to see then if it's one or the other.

The double core one is $30 more, but it has to be ordered in. The single core ones are in stock.

In so much that two core is better for cooling, if the one in my car is a single, then single it shall be.

Donald · 05-20-2009, 05:46 AM

I just replaced my radiator. My original radiator was a single core radiator and is more than adequate, because it has a very large frontal area. I replaced it because I did an engine swap, and the outlet pipes did not match the new engine.

NexusRift · 05-21-2009, 11:41 PM

Well, I checked it out by viewing it from the side and feeling the width from front to back. It's like an inch and a half thick.

So I went back to the parts shop and got them to bring out one they had in stock for me to check out the thickness. Turns out that it's half as thick as the one presently in my car!

Since the one they have in stock is the single core one, I ordered a double core one in for my automatic wagon. Should be in tomorrow or Saturday.

Donald · 05-22-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NexusRift

Well, I checked it out by viewing it from the side and feeling the width from front to back. It's like an inch and a half thick.

So I went back to the parts shop and got them to bring out one they had in stock for me to check out the thickness. Turns out that it's half as thick as the one presently in my car!

Since the one they have in stock is the single core one, I ordered a double core one in for my automatic wagon. Should be in tomorrow or Saturday.

Dual core is better if it is available. Since you have an automatic, that would probably be even more desireable. The transmission can really make some heat, depending on your driving style and conditions.

Rookie_One · 05-22-2009, 11:19 PM

a single core for a 4A-F(E) is more than enough
hell, each time a go WOT, i see the engine temperature going down

ericdude · 05-22-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donald

Dual core is better if it is available. Since you have an automatic, that would probably be even more desireable. The transmission can really make some heat, depending on your driving style and conditions.

I'm seeing an interaction the other way. I recently got the A/C working again and when I run
the A/C, the radiator (and therefore transmission) runs noticeably hotter. Without the A/C,
I'm usually at 8pm on the temperature gauge at 40-70mph, but with the A/C, now I'm
sitting at nine and the transmission is running hotter--I can see the level of the fluid rise.
(Usually, fluid levels don't rise by themselves. :-)

NexusRift · 05-23-2009, 06:55 AM

If you're concerned, and being located in Texas, i can certainly understand you are,
get a trans cooler. Perhaps an oil relocation kit as well and install a lower temp thermostat.

kathyricks · 05-23-2009, 03:58 PM

All front wheel drive Corollas with the 4A-F and 4A-FE motors came from the factory with a single row radiator. That's all you need, even if you plan on driving to Death Valley in July to visit the Furnace Creek Inn.

Flashmn · 05-23-2009, 04:27 PM

Well it depends, its not really the ambient temperature that determines a radiator, but rather the heat from the engine and the heat transfer from the radiator to the surrounding ambient air. Thermostat controls the engine temperature, not the size of the radiator.
Ofcourse if the radiator is insufficient in size, it wont cool the coolant enough and heat will rise in the coolant, thats when all hell breaks loose. Granted a greater temperature difference in the ambient helps cooling if the radiator is too small.

FYI, I'm running a stock 4A-F radiator on my turbo corolla without heat problems, but I'm pretty sure its dual row.

Donald · 05-23-2009, 05:36 PM

If you are having a temperature drop at WOT, I would check the thermostat.

The temperature might go up with the A/C on, depending on your environment and driving conditions. If it goes up a lot, I would check that both fans are comming on. If they are, you might have a clogged radiator.

Flashmn · 05-23-2009, 05:54 PM

Yeah and a wash every now and then keeps the fins clean.

Rookie_One · 05-24-2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donald

If you are having a temperature drop at WOT, I would check the thermostat.

The temperature might go up with the A/C on, depending on your environment and driving conditions. If it goes up a lot, I would check that both fans are comming on. If they are, you might have a clogged radiator.

did i mention that each time i did this, the exterior temperature were betweens 0 and -30 C?

ericdude · 05-24-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NexusRift

If you're concerned, and being located in Texas, i can certainly understand you are,
get a trans cooler. Perhaps an oil relocation kit as well and install a lower temp thermostat.

I thought about a transmission cooler, but the only place to really install it is in the very front of the
cooling stack, in front of the condenser and radiator. Wouldn't this make both of them have to
work harder?

Oil relocation kit? Is that something that allows a misguided person to move their oil filter to a
remote location in the engine bay?

What's that got to do with the price of Mr. T in China?