After coping with the Miata's cooling problems for a year, I finally fix them. Well, it seems that I've finally fixed some minor cooling problems I've had over the time I've owned the Miata. Well, actually by the time I've written this, I've had the problem licked for quite a while. While for some the answer may have been obvious -- change out the radiator -- I wanted to ensure the other basic components were in good shape first. See the related articles for more information on what I've tried previously.

After trying the basic stuff, I decided to move on and replace the radiator. While it didn't look bad, the basics were fixed (temperature sender, checking the fans, ensuring proper airflow, etc.) and I was left with little choice but look at the radiator.

The stock radiator didn't appear to have any issues, but I did try to flush it out, and that didn't work. So, I ended up buying a new radiator over the Internet. There are a bunch of companies that sell radiators for the Miata. There are also quite a few varieties of radiators. Aluminum seems to predominate, but there are quite a variety even within aluminum radiators. There are those with and without provisions for automatic transmissions. There are ones that are slightly upgraded with larger tanks and/or larger tubes. And there are full race aluminum radiators. As my engine is completely stock, I decided to go cheap, with the base aluminum radiator. The company I bought my radiator from said that it's cooling capacity was increased over stock, even though it was their "base" radiator. Within a few days of ordering, it arrived, and I was able to change the radiator out.

I ordered my radiator from Cool Radiator, as their prices seemed reasonable, and they had what I needed in stock. The radiator arrived in an acceptable amount of time, packaged well, and without defects.

The pictures to the right show that the radiator is exactly the same size as the stock radiator, except that it's core is wider, which should help dissipate additional energy over the radiator that was in the Miata. All the mounts were in the stock location, and the tanks even looked stock. Overall, I was satisfied with the product thus far. I proceeded to install it.

Installing the Miata radiator is trivial. Disconnect the fan assembly, radiator hoses, and disconnect from the mounts. The radiator lifts out, and the new one goes back in. Once done, fill with appropriate fluid, start up, and check for leaks. I use very little antifreeze because water cools better, and it doesn't get to freezing in my garage more than a couple times a year, if ever.

After running the radiator through the balance of the hot summer season here in the Sacramento area, I can say that this has completely cured the condition where my car would start to run hot climbing hills and idling. Also, the radiator hasn't leaked or given me any other sort of trouble. Overall, I'm happy with the result, and would recommend Cool Radiator if you're looking for a replacement.