Lude Generation

I've removed the radiator and radiator hoses on my '95 Prelude 2.2i VTEC 4WS, and have a replacement radiator to fit. However, the radiator is not the same size as the existing one. The mounting locations for the fans do not all match, plus the existing one is longer and thinner and taller than the replacement one. arif_manji suggested I get the rad from a Rover 623, as this fits the Prelude (and he's done this), so I did and the one I received is exactly the same as the existing replacement radiator I already have.

I tried to fit both the new radiators, and they do not fit, as the bleeder screw at the bottom of the radiator is catching on the chassis. If I fit the radiator with the bleeder screw removed, then the radiator fits, but I can't get the bleeder screw in.

Also, if I was able to get the bleeder screw to make it past the chassis, I'd be unable to mount the fans, as they would then catch on the chassis.

Would anyone on here know what this radiator I have in my car actually is and how I can replace it ? Pics below may help explain.
You can see the bleeder screw can't make it past the chassis -


This shows the top of the 2 radiators, showing fan mounting locations don't match -




Bottom mounting locations for fans on NEW radiator -




Bottom mounting locations for fans on OLD radiator -

I don’t understand that mate, it fitted straight into mine and fans - was your old one a genuine Honda one?

Here’s mine;






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think the existing one is a genuine Honda one, as I can't find a part number on it anywhere. Also, it seems almost as if the front of the car has moved slightly backwards, forcing a previous owner to install a slightly narrower radiator... dunno. I don't think the fans are genuine Honda either.

I'm pretty sure jdm and UK rads had different fans so maybe that could be the issue

si import wrote:I'm pretty sure jdm and UK rads had different fans so maybe that could be the issue

But the radiator is different too, and has no Honda part number (I assume it would be on top of radiator somewhere)

Still strange that the correct radiator just doesn't seem to fit, as it's too thick. Maybe someone replaced part of the chassis, and this is why the radiator doesn't fit and needed a non standard, thinner radiator ?

Hmm maybe see what the Honda part number is see if you can get a picture of the right one on the net and cross reference it with another make..

Also that's the drain bung on the bottom of the rad you will have a hard time bleeding it from there

si import wrote:I'm pretty sure jdm and UK rads had different fans so maybe that could be the issue

yep i found this when fitting a new rad - there was a slight difference between overall size and the mounting points
pics are here: http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/post218835.html#p218835

there also 2 types of OEM radiator (denso & toyo) - from what ive seen some BB4(JDM) rads are twice as thick and slightly smaller width and height - there is also two types of rad cap (D&F) - both rads should fit but will take different fans. Distance between the mounting point pins top and bottom are 625 at top and 620 at the bottom - thats from memory so double check - there was a drawing with dimensions in the wiki but image has been deleted/not working

I THINK that the radiator that was in there is a JDM spec radiator (not OEM though), with matching fans (OEM). I met up with arif_manji today who had 2 sets of fans - one of them were same as what I currently have and the other fit the 'standard' UK spec radiator

I also think that a previous owner had an accident, which pushed the front of the body back a little, thus making it a tight fit for the standard UK spec radiator. Also, the rubber feet at the bottom of the radiator don't fit in the holders for them properly (they're a little far back) - unless you use the narrow, wider, taller JDM spec radiator. That said, I'd going to mount the radiator I bought (for the Rover 623, which is same as Prelude standard UK spec) and fit it with 2 fans I bought from arif_manji. The rubber feet won't sit properly in the holders for them, and I'd have to lift the radiator up to get at the drain plug, but that's best bet for now, at least until I can find a JDM spec radiator (or after market equivalent) for a good price.

Thanks for all the help guys, especially arif_manji, for all the measurements and pictures he took and letting me bug him on the weekend.

Oem rad wouldn't have a Honda part number on it, it would have the oem manufacturer name and number on it (denso etc)
There are definitely different core thicknesses available for preludes. I've never been able to work out what the difference is - I've seen thin and thick cores on h22's (when I assumed the h22 would have the same core regardless).

wurlycorner wrote:Oem rad wouldn't have a Honda part number on it, it would have the oem manufacturer name and number on it (denso etc)

Ah ok - still - no writing at all on the current radiator