Radiator Puzzle for 2002 Montero Sport XLS 3.5
 

I've put eyes on three different AFTER market radiators and they all have a larger LOWER hose adapter. (plastic)
The adapter is so close to the a/c compressor pulley the hose would touch when installed.

I've included a couple pics to help illustrate. The 1" adapter is the one I removed from the original radiator and the 1 1/2" adapter is what I get from several after markets.
Note: I tried placing the old one on the new core and it won't seal. Drip leak about 1 per second. Who would have thought. :rolleyes:

Anybody know where/how to resolve? What am I missing?

Thanks,
JC
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...eec0293085.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...30d4e565e6.jpg

Hi, I have an '03 with the same engine so I would think most everything under the hood is the same as yours. I replaced the radiator a couple of months ago with an aftermarket one from RockAuto. The brand was TYC, I believe. Never had a problem installing, nor have I noticed any leaks.
Here's the link:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...,radiator,2172

I thought that getting an OEM radiator would be outrageously expensive, but I wish I would have checked beforehand because it looks like there's at least one site that has OEM ones in stock for about $140 USD: https://www.mitsubishipartsnow.com/o...a&gad_source=1
(Of course, shipping could be expensive. Come to think of it, maybe that's why I went aftermarket)

Hope this helps, if you haven't already found one!

Thanks for the heads up. A have to apologize for not following up myself.

After a bit more research, I discovered the vehicle had been in a minor "deer" accident and I had not noticed the mounting point was not in it's proper location.
The aftermarket would likely have worked even with the additional 1/2".

Thanks for all the info! I've book marked and likely will be ordering an OEM one soon!
JC

No problem, glad to hear you got it figured out! Totally unrelated, but does your AC work? And if it does, how well does it work? I ask only because I made a post about it but no one responded. Really curious to know if my AC is underperforming or if it's just designed that way...

Yep! The compressor I installed (about 7 yrs ago) was used and is showing signs of old age. It worked great and is still blowing cool. If you have access to a thermometer you stick in the vent you can measure it fairly close. You probably already know that.
jc

Thanks for the info, just one more question if you have the time: does it/did it ever blow cold when stopped and idling? Mine blows cold on the highway but is pretty much useless when stopped in traffic. I know the condenser fan works, but it's like it doesn't want to kick in as often as it seems like it should.

Do you have a manual for the '03? Several things could be responsible.
If you have one, section on HEATER, AIR CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION 55-3 (In mine) does a pretty good job of describing.

jc

It's an automatic, but I'll check the manual and see what it has to say. Thanks