on my 98 mercury mountaineer there is a smaller radiator in front of the large one. what is it for and if i place a HELLA off road driving light in front of it (but right behind the grille) will it harm anything?
2007-03-13 13:50:11 · 18 answers · asked by higbluyflohug 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
It's either your A/C condensor or a transmission cooler. An A/C condenser would be somewhat smaller then your radiator and a trans cooler would be quite a bit smaller. The light will block some air flow but unless you're covering it very dramatically you'll probably be ok. If you're still unsure, I'd stop by a dealer's shop and ask their opinion.
2007-03-13 13:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by nick_nunya2003 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most cars have a Rad with an Air Conditioning condenser in front (the condenser is only slightly smaller than the rad). If what you are describing is much smaller than the rad (say less than 50% of the area) then It is likely the power steering cooler or an aftermarket transmission cooler - trace the lines to confirm.
Placing 2 fog lights will disrupt some airflow to the Condenser/Rad but will not harm anything long term. All North American vehicles made by the big 3 size the rad/condenser/Power steering/transmission coolers to run severe grades with trailers in the SW US (Arizona/Death Valley). As long as you are not planning on constantly fully loading the vehicle up or pulling trailers on extremely hot days up hills you will be OK.
2007-03-13 14:01:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bill c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big Radiator
2016-12-10 19:15:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The smaller radiator is for the air conditioning unless it doesn't have one in which case it may be for the transmission check the lines on it to see for sure if it is a tranny cooler I wouldn't put a light in front of it cause the heat off of it could present a problem
2007-03-13 13:54:59 · answer #4 · answered by ja man 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The smaller radiator is for the air conditioning. Yes you can harm it, especially if you puncture it. It will be best to use a mounting kit that can have NO adverse affect on the radiator so mount it outside of the grill.
2007-03-13 13:56:32 · answer #5 · answered by buddy421@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that is called an a/c condensor. nothing should be in the airway path of the condensor or radiator or your engine will run hotter and your a/c will not be cold. there is also a transmission cooler which is a smaller in the the front too.
2007-03-17 11:28:34 · answer #6 · answered by FORDever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The smaller "radiator" is actually part of your a/c system. Its the condensor assembly that takes the heat absorbed by your a/c system and allows it to be released outside of the cabin. If you block it you might notice a decrease in the performance of your a/c system, anymore most radiator coolers are built into the radiator itself.
2007-03-13 13:55:18 · answer #7 · answered by Matt 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's probably a transmission cooler or an oil cooler. Follow the lines from it to see what you've got. I wouldn't place any lights in front of it since that would defeat the purpose of having the oil/tranny cooler.
2007-03-13 13:56:28 · answer #8 · answered by sprintdawg007 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there is only one radiator in your truck. that is either a transmission cooler or the a/c condenser. it shouldn't harm anything as long as the lights don't rub anything. keep an eye on your temp gauge to make sure your engine doesn't overheat.
2007-03-13 13:55:52 · answer #9 · answered by smjohnson55 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe the front radiator is for your air conditioner and you will be safe to mount your lights in front of it, it won't hurt a thing, just don't drill into the radiator to bolt them.
2007-03-13 13:57:28 · answer #10 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋