Has anybody used an automatic radiator in a manual car?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by cn90

The separate channels in the Auto radiator circulates ATF fluid, not antifreeze coolant.
So, if you install the Auto radiator in a Manual, simply plug the ATF ports so debris does
not get inside...

Negative Houston. On auto gearbox versions the bottom part of the radiator is partly separated and has coolant passage for oil heat exchanger.

[Clavurion]

It's quite frustrating to follow this thread. Do you have a manual or auto gearbox and which probably wrong version you are trying to make working on the vehicle? Are you making a bling plug for auto gearbox version radiator to be used on a vehicle with manual gearbox or making a new passage on a manual gearbox version radiator to fit the oil heat exchanger?

The only difference on the radiator is if it has one extra coolant passage at the bottom part of the left side of the radiator for gearbox oil heat exchanger circuit. The separate mounting plate holds most of the secrets to install the oil heat exchanger. On manual gearbox versions the mounting plate has a blind end on the bigger connection to expansion tank where on the automatic version there is a thermostat and internal passage to the other end or the oil heat exchanger and the bottom part of the mounting plate has a passage to that radiator connector only found on the radiator made for automatic version.

If as per thread title you are trying to use a radiator for auto gearbox version with the extra coolant passage to oil heat exchanger on a manula car with heat exchanger just make a plug for that connector. That round "hole" by the triangle on the mounting plate back side is what's connected on the extra coolant connector on the radiator. There's o-ring on the radiator and not that much force pushing the mounting plate on. Just to give an idea how it could be done.

[paramax55]

It's a manual car and manual radiators don't exist any more. Yes, there is a port on the auto transmissions for the heat exchanger. The adapter plate that attaches to the radiator simply has a simple opening to not interfere with the automatic port. The way the port is designed, the right sized hose would slip on and clip in like the rest of the hoses. But the inside of the port is smooth enough that it would also seal with an oring. Sealing from the inside would prevent any clearance issues from clamping something to the outside of it. It would be the "least invasive" option

[cn90]

Then buy the cooler.
Attach it to the rad so coolant does not leak out?

[Masospaghetti]

Originally Posted by cn90

The separate channels in the Auto radiator circulates ATF fluid, not antifreeze coolant.
So, if you install the Auto radiator in a Manual, simply plug the ATF ports so debris does
not get inside...

I don't think this is correct. I thought the same thing and realized that the auto trans cooler ports are directly connected inside the radiator.

[paramax55]

Originally Posted by cn90

Then buy the cooler.
Attach it to the rad so coolant does not leak out?

The cooler has two coolant ports. One attaches to the radiator and the other attaches to the expansion tank. So I would need the auto expansion tank. And the auto adapter plate for the radiator. And probably something else. And something else. And I would have this heat exchanger flopping around in there.

Or I can make a plug.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by paramax55

It's a manual car and manual radiators don't exist any more. Yes, there is a port on the auto transmissions for the heat exchanger. The adapter plate that attaches to the radiator simply has a simple opening to not interfere with the automatic port. The way the port is designed, the right sized hose would slip on and clip in like the rest of the hoses. But the inside of the port is smooth enough that it would also seal with an oring. Sealing from the inside would prevent any clearance issues from clamping something to the outside of it. It would be the "least invasive" option

Do you have a better quality picture of that connector on the radiator? It's years back I looked that on my own car and found it difficult to make sure the pictures online are correct of the actual part.

[paramax55]

It's a shame that this forum doesn't host pictures. I used to use photobucket back when it was free. Is there another free hosting service?

[Factory6speed]

Originally Posted by paramax55

It's a shame that this forum doesn't host pictures. I used to use photobucket back when it was free. Is there another free hosting service?

I use imgur.com . Is still free but I think you have to create an account now. Five years ago it was the best.

Also I just found out a few weeks ago that the rear CV axles and rear diff are different, auto/manual, and of course the manual ones are backorder no ETA.

[cn90]

- To simplify matter, you can buy Man Rad?
Why make it so complicated?
Between eBay, and some random website places, you can still find Man Radiator.
It may not be Behr, but likely Chinese.
In a related topic, I have a 2007 Volvo S60, previous owner installed a Spectra brand
(Made in China) In 2016 or so, 10 years later, it is still fine.
So, not all Chinese are bad.

- This forum does host photos. All of my DIYs have photos hosted by this forum.