Mk5 Valeo radiator brand new out of the box, cut in 2 spots

M

Matthewsz

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I just opened a brand new box, and I was shocked to see 2 cuts in the radiator. I took pictures and was about to open a return case when I noticed the seller's picture also has the cut in the radiator. Any ideas why they did this? Did they mess up at the factory and that's why they're selling for so cheap? Should I risk installing it?

 
Powder Hound

Powder Hound

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I'd return it. You are probably correct in that it is a factory screw up, but chinesium parts come from factories where they don't care much for quality control.

Cheers,

PH
 
K

KLXD

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Can't really tell from the picher but it doesn't look like a tube is cut, just the support?

If not it wont leak but will the cut propagate across the support?

How about a better pic of the worst side?
 
oilhammer

oilhammer

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There are just too many to list....
I am saying lots of aluminum cores from various manufacturers for various applications have cuts in the edges like that, yes.

I would not worry about it.
 
Metal Man

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I wonder if they do that to relieve stress due to heat expansion of the rest of the radiator.
 
M

Matthewsz

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And do you know the reason? It looks like bad quality for Valeo, I'm sure it scares many others when they see it.
 
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Prairieview

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Is this done for some sort of expansion relief....or something?
Yes, I have seen this before.....but not quite as crude as this.
 
K

KLXD

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What's the original look like? Does it have solid braces on the sides?

If it does I would be leery of using that if not then not.
 
M

Matthewsz

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KLXD said:
What's the original look like? Does it have solid braces on the sides?

If it does I would be leery of using that if not then not.
Click to expand...
I need to check when I get home, I think it does have plastic on the top and bottom.
 
M

Matthewsz

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Metal Man said:
They are cutting Lexus radiators too!! Better run!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx...radiator-arrived-with-two-saw-cuts-in-it.html
And Summit has this to say.
https://help.summitracing.com/app/a...-radiator-looks-like-its-been-cut-with-a-saw!
Nissan
https://testing-public.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/10010/15253
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for investigating, this really helps! Somebody should include this in a FAQ, I'm sure it'll come up again. I do have to admit I wasn't looking at FAQs before asking. :eek:
 
Metal Man

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Some nicer cuts and maybe a plastic cap over them would probably go along way as far as the looks go.
 
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