FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
Quick answers to common questions about cooling performance, installation, and Griffin policies.
1) Does an aluminum radiator cool better than a copper brass radiator?
An aluminum radiator does cool better than a copper brass radiator. For example, an aluminum radiator with 2 rows of 1" tubes is equivalent to a copper brass radiator with 5 rows of 1/2" tubes. Aluminum provides high efficiency, is lightweight, and has a longer life compared to copper brass.
2) How does your radiator compare to a competitor's?
Griffin is a true manufacturer. Almost anyone can buy components and assemble a radiator, and truth is that a lot of so-called manufacturers do just that. Griffin is an integrated manufacturer. By controlling every step of the manufacturing process, we produce a radiator with components that are performance matched for optimum cooling capability. A Griffin is more than some off-the-shelf; one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter product. It is a performance radiator made to meet your specific application.
3) How many degrees will my temperature go down if I switch to your radiator?
A decrease in degrees not only depends on the radiator, but also the other facets of your cooling system, such as fuel, moisture, pulley ratios, timing, etc. Griffin products are designed for a high performance level and are very competitive within the industry.
4) Will I have to make any modifications to use your radiator?
Modifications should be minor but do depend on the specific customer application.
5) If I put a screw through the sideband, will it be strong enough to support the weight?
You must use enough screws to support the weight. Make sure the screws do not puncture a tube.
6) Can a radiator cool without air flow?
Yes, as long as the ambient air temperature, around the radiator, is below the running temperature of the radiator fluid. Of course sitting at a stop light with the hood closed the ambient temperature inside the engine compartment would be higher than the air outside the engine compartment due to the heat generated from other components such as the engine, exhaust, A/C, etc. Without adequate air flow, a radiator is just a reservoir for hot water. Coolant transfers heat to the tubes; the tubes transfer heat to the fins; air moving through the fins dissipates the heat from the radiator. You need sufficient openings to the radiator that channel adequate air to the entire surface of the radiator. You must have a radiator design that allows the air to pass effectively through the radiator (wider and taller is better than thicker). You must consider how the heat will be evacuated from the engine compartment.
7) What makes a radiator cool better: the number of rows or the size of the tubes?
The larger the size of the tube the more the cooling capacity. With a larger tube the volume of fluid is increased, displacing more heat thus increasing cooling capacity.
8) Should there be any space between a condenser and the radiator?
There should be enough space between your radiator and all other surrounding components as to have no contact with your radiator. Any contact with any adjacent engine component may cause rubbing against the radiator, due to vibration, and could damage the radiator or create a hole for fluid to leak through.
9) How to send us a sample or return a radiator?
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Griffin Thermal Products cannot be responsible for any items sent to us without a "RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER" being issued in advance of the shipment. The only exception is a "Custom Radiator Template", in which case the template form serves as the "Return Authorization."
To initiate a return:
- Review instructions here: Return Authorization Procedures
- Or Contact Griffin Thermal Products at 864-845-5000 and ask for the Return Authorization representative.
10) What is the Overflow Tank used for?
As the coolant expands, it is pushed out of the overflow pipe on the filler neck into the Overflow tank automatically. As the Overflow Tank fills, it may reach the top overflow tube. Once that happens, coolant will be pushed completely out of the system. As the system cools, the radiator cap acts as a “two way” valve and will pull coolant from the Overflow Tank back into the radiator as needed.
VIEW OVERFLOW TANK DIAGRAM