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. 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.
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) 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. Without adequate air flow, a radiator is just a reservoir for hot water. You need sufficient openings to the radiator that channel adequate air to the entire surface of the radiator.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
To initiate a return:
- Review instructions on the Return Authorization Procedures page
- Or Contact Griffin Thermal Products at 864-845-5000 and ask for the Return Authorization representative.
9) 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 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