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If other ROC forum members are like me, the thought of getting stranded on the road and facing mega dollar repair to "fix" an issue caused by the failure of a simple washer is disturbing. Especially because we've seen the outward appearance of the radiator/trans cooler interface doesn't necessarily indicate a failure in the near future.
Provided the discussions I've had with others isn't overlooking an unforeseen problem, there may be a permanent solution to Honda's serious design flaw.
Here's the idea: eliminate the trans cooler interface at the radiator entirely by having an all aluminum, exact replacement made, omitting the mechanical trans fluid interface at the bottom of the OEM radiator assembly. Naturally, this would require adapting the existing cooler plumbing for routing around the radiator to the OEM trans cooler location. Using hoses or tubing - adapting to - or replacing the factory plumbing would be a simple task for anyone handy enough to take on a radiator replacement.
I've contacted a radiator manufacturer with facilities equal to OEM suppliers. They have expressed interest in producing the radiator described above: an all aluminum replacement with dimensions and mechanical features to ensure direct replacement - and a core design to duplicate the thermal displacement properties of Honda's design.
True to all manufacturing efforts, it takes volume to drive cost down. And so, the first step to figure out if forum members are interested in a solution like this.
Provided the discussions I've had with others isn't overlooking an unforeseen problem, there may be a permanent solution to Honda's serious design flaw.
Here's the idea: eliminate the trans cooler interface at the radiator entirely by having an all aluminum, exact replacement made, omitting the mechanical trans fluid interface at the bottom of the OEM radiator assembly. Naturally, this would require adapting the existing cooler plumbing for routing around the radiator to the OEM trans cooler location. Using hoses or tubing - adapting to - or replacing the factory plumbing would be a simple task for anyone handy enough to take on a radiator replacement.
I've contacted a radiator manufacturer with facilities equal to OEM suppliers. They have expressed interest in producing the radiator described above: an all aluminum replacement with dimensions and mechanical features to ensure direct replacement - and a core design to duplicate the thermal displacement properties of Honda's design.
True to all manufacturing efforts, it takes volume to drive cost down. And so, the first step to figure out if forum members are interested in a solution like this.