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Replacement Radiator

Finding a replacement radiator for the CRX VTEC

 

Finding a replacement radiator was not easy, I had two suppliers send the the wrong part despite having warned about the similarity of the VTEC radiator to the non-VTEC.

The first difference between the two radiators is that the cap on the non-VTEC radiator mounts directly on the top tank and on the VTEC one it is set back on an extended neck. The second less obvious difference is the size of the pipe connections, below is a table comparing the two. Either radiator will fit in any car but you will be unable to connect it up.

     
Year 1989-1991 1990-1991
Engine Code D16Ax B16A
Engine Size 1590cc 1595cc
Chassis Codes    
Hose Connection 28mm 32mm
Core Thickness 16mm 16mm
Core Width 690mm 690mm
Core Height 315mm 315mm

The non-VTEC radiator is used in Civic/CRX's with D series engines no matter if they are SOHC or DOHC (1.6-16v, 1.5x, GL etc). The VTEC radiator will only fit cars with a VTEC engine.

I managed to get one from a supplier of Nissens radiators -  http://www.nissens.dk their online catalogue shows the correct radiator but is

   
Description Radiator
Compatibility  
Honda Part Number 19010-PW0-014
Nissens Part Number 63301
Nissens Product Number 325750

This radiator is not remanufactured and 100% new (unlike most which are new core on old end tanks), although you do pay a premium.

The fans bolt up perfectly and you are supplied with clips, although I chose to use the original Honda ones as they are stainless steel.

The design of the top and bottom tanks is slightly different to the original part. It looks like Nissens have altered an existing mould and there is an extra fan mount on the lower tank.

Here you can see the mount which touches the front cross member. The radiator still mounts okay but you have to force it in its mounting rubber.

A better view of the mount with the radiator our the car.

There really should be some clearance between the two so I decided to cut the front of the mount away.

As you can see there is now plenty of clearance.