Need to replace radiator which one do i have?! lol

[Viking445]

Howdy. I'm new to the e30 scene and my 320i with an m52 swap has started to overheat when sitting for too long after being on the freeway. The lower part of the core is also mangled (fan strike?) I've never heard the fan come on even when i hit the ac button (ac doesn't work) So maybe a fan switch too or could the whole aux fan be dead?

Here are some pics. If this is a dead horse i'm sorry please go easy! lol Thanks!

[ak-]

That's an e36 318 radiator, I believe.

[Viking445]

ok well that explains it. A 4 cyl rad on a 6 cyl car. Ugh Do i have cheap options here for an upgrade/fix?

[ak-]

Many people use 4cyl radiators on 6cyl cars! It cleans up the engine bay because the overflow tank is built with the radiator.
6cyl radiators have overflow tanks separated and sit in the engine bay.

Besides an old rad, the fan clutch could just be worn.

[Viking445]

Oh it doesn't have an engine fan, just the aux fan in the front.

[justin_l_]

First thing I would do is fix the elec fan. If air isn't going through the radiator, it isn't going to cool off.

[Viking445]

Ok so just oem replacement or spal pusher setup?

[justin_l_]

If you can afford it I would get a spal or similar fan, if not just use OEM, it is better than nothing.

[Viking445]

just checked my fuses and #18 was fried. Gonna replace that in the morning.

[Viking445]

replaced it no change. grrr