CSF Radiator Long Term Review

[matreyia]

Have had the CSF Radiator for almost two years. Has been functioning normal, not really any difference in temps over the year since ECU controls the pump cycles. However, just today two months before the two year warranty is reached... I found two leaks in the core. I thought it was one of my hoses or connectors leaking so I replaced them...but nothing fixed it. I took my intercooler off and fan off to double check and sure enough the welds on the fins were compromised, leaking from deep in the lining out onto the intercooler top down to the splash shield and on the garage floor.

So... today's lesson, stick with BMW radiator until the plastic nubs go crack. Because they go crack long after two years...when I upgraded my stock radiator it was 7 yrs old and still good. So much for CSF.

I ordered a stock radiator from FCP Euro in the meantime while I deal with the CSF warranty process. And I will give them another chance, but if the new unit leaks in two years... ya'll know they suck.

 

[matreyia]

Apparently CSF has a history of the same type of defects on many of their radiator models for other cars. I had no idea as I never thought to google them before.

 

[ShocknAwe]

Sorry to hear but glad you shared as I was considering a radiator "upgrade". What about mishimoto?

 

[matreyia]

Sorry to hear but glad you shared as I was considering a radiator "upgrade". What about mishimoto?

Don't know about them. Have heard bad things also. At least csf and ecstuning have good service. Ecs has already sent RMA.

 

[fmorelli]

... not really any difference in temps over the year since ECU controls the pump cycles.

This fact seems to be largely ignored by people. One can run a radiator the size of Kansas ... but as you say ... ^^^^^

Filippo

 

[Rcboosted2007]

Thanks for the diligence

 

[screaminfast]

Just put mine in last year. Hopefully I don’t have any defects. What climate are you in?

 

[matreyia]

Just put mine in last year. Hopefully I don’t have any defects. What climate are you in?

Houston, Texas.

 

[Asbjorn]

My data shows you don't need an upgraded radiator for street use, and for track use the csf radiator is waaay too small unless you detune the n54. I see no reasons to invest in this product. None. Go custom or stick to oem.

 

[twinturbos]

Well this is interesting as I was also considering this radiator even tho my 12 year old one isn't leaking.

 

[matreyia]

My data shows you don't need an upgraded radiator for street use, and for track use the csf radiator is waaay too small unless you detune the n54. I see no reasons to invest in this product. None. Go custom or stick to oem.

I believe the csf unit shows benefits if you choose the 'track' or 'sport' option for the pump cycles in MHD.

If you chose those options with a stock radiator, it would not yield as much benefits.

 

[screaminfast]

Houston, Texas.

So not a corrosion issue then

 

[matreyia]

So not a corrosion issue then

I don't think so. Always BMW coolant used. No salt on roads. Just plain old bad welds I suppose.

 

[matreyia]

I can't decide to reinstall or sell the new replacement unit. If I sell, it would be $400 plus shipping if anyone is interested. By Friday, if I don't get any bites, I will go ahead and install and see how it does with the MHD track setting.

 

[screaminfast]

I don't think so. Always BMW coolant used. No salt on roads. Just plain old bad welds I suppose.

I hope mine holds up. I had it painted with cerekote thermal enhancement paint.

 

[matreyia]

I hope mine holds up. I had it painted with cerekote thermal enhancement paint.

If you did that, you voided the CSF warranty FYI. They don't honor any warranty when any mods are done to the unit.

 

[screaminfast]

If you did that, you voided the CSF warranty FYI. They don't honor any warranty when any mods are done to the unit.

I don’t drive my car enough anyways. I’ve had the radiator for almost a year and still have t put more than 100 miles on it.

 

[Rob09msport]

Did you order a mt unit ? I believe a stock mt is a substantial upgrade over an auto unit in itself and I think you have separate tranny cooler right?

 

[matreyia]

Did you order a mt unit ? I believe a stock mt is a substantial upgrade over an auto unit in itself and I think you have separate tranny cooler right?

There is a hose that connects to the oil cooler in the passenger side. The driver side hose is cut and sealed. Otherwise I would have gotten the manual unit.

 

[The Convert]

I hope mine holds up. I had it painted with cerekote thermal enhancement paint.

Do you have a link to the product you used? Only things I can find on their site or protective coatings and thermal barrier coatings. I can’t find anything that is for aiding in heat extraction.