The last Denso replacement radiator I purchased had a drilled and tapped hole in plastic for the temperature sensor where others had a brass fitting.
My go to for radiators lately has been CSF. Spectra Premium has been a good choice in the past.

 

Did you end up using it or you returned it?did it last?

I saw on rock auto , spectra had the little heart but I had heard spectra fuel pumps were crap in the past.

DENSO seems to not be that great with radiators

 

I used it. So far no issues. I was careful not to over tighten sensor since it was screwing into plastic. But I won’t purchase again.
I’ve had very good success with CSF. I’d order their radiator cap with it too.

 

How many years and miles have you been running the DENSO first time fit radiator

Already purchased the DENSO and broke Openedthe box so no turning back.( I will say rock auto put it in some nice bubble wrap all around )

 

That repair was about 2 years ago. The car is still going with no issues.
If I had a new Denso radiator already, I’d install it.

 

Denso radiator from RockAuto leaked when it got hot. Took it to a radiator shop. They told me the plastic was too thin to hold pressure and would warp at the crimp. Bought a radiator from Autozone. It weighed twice as much as the Denso. It does not leak.

 

That is concerning.

 

They aren't that bad. I would even say they are OK if you are looking for something more or less budget-friendly. Never had any issues with them. It's odd to read some comments and see folks complaining they are leaking. Well, what can I say? Everyone's experience is different.

 

I installed a Denso 7 years ago, now with 50k miles. The only thing I had to do was thin down the fan shroud mounting tabs a little. It was a little thicker than the OEM and the bolts wouldn't grab into the nuts. Still going good to this day.

 

Seems like the quality control isn't as good as other DENSO products. Have had good experience with my alternator and starter first time fit DENSO.

Having to file down parts isn't "first time fit" but oh well I shall see if I got a good one.

 

I replaced a radiator on a civic with a Denso from RockAuto. The radiator cap did not fit. Had to "file down" high spots on the plastic to get the cap to fit correctly. Other than that the radiator worked and fit fine. I don't mind doing something like this as it only takes a few minutes.

 

DENSO touts that it's " first time fit" line fits like oe yet I read of people having to file down mounting tabs all things that are un-oem .

Seems like the quality isn't all that great on DENSO Radiators

 

Stay away from the DENSO "first time fit" radiator less than 2 months and its leaking near the overflow hose, junk

Should have just went OEM

 

I am learning OEM is better overall. Pay much more $$. but what's your time worth farting with this stuff? time is valuable too. Junk parts are junk parts. IMHO

 

Denso is usually good stuff(they are the OEM manfuacturer of the radiator for honda), unfortunately looks like their aftermarket radiators are crap.

 

Denso is usually good stuff

They are, however buy what they are known to be good for...
electrical components.

 

I wouldn’t knock All aftermarket radiators. I have installed aftermarket Denso, CSF, TYC and Spectra Premium among others bought from local auto parts stores when in a crunch.

 

I hear good things about the spectra for the RL1s, rock auto had it for 20 bucks cheaper than the crap DENSO. and I read it's more of an OEM style replacement (DENSO is lighter in weight than the oem)than the DENSO made in Taiwan crap.

 

Taiwan makes very good "crap"

most of the worlds semiconductors/chips come from there.

Also some of my best quality made tools come from there.

don't blame the country for a bad manufacturer.

 

Thinking of switching to a Koyo ,CSF, or spectra. Noticed my coolant is a bit low I think it's leaking more

 

I put a CSF from rockauto in my 2011 last fall.

good quality good fitment.

whatever you choose, make sure it has the transmission cooler tank.

some of the cheaper brands come without any transmission cooler.

if you have an aftermarket cooler, the internal one on the radiator can be bypassed.

 

I got a new DENSO radiator from rock auto a few years ago and its good so far, oem fit.

 

I can tell you there is quite a difference between the OEM Denso AC Condenser on my 2012 Odyssey vs the Denso Aftermarket version sold at Rockauto (made in China). The OEM one is quite a bit heavier, and also had 40% more rows (when I counted).