do88 radiator & draining. Two-part question

[BimmerRob08]

Got a few questions about do88 radiators. Doing some reviews and videos, looks like do88 radiators had some past QC issues with fitment and leaking about a year ago from the posts. I jumped the gun and got a radiator and oil cooler on order. What's the latest and any issues anyone have encountered since install?

Second question is, the do88 does not have a drain. There is one post about someone modding and adding a drain, not planning to do that. So once installed, if needed down the road to remove or drain, how do you drain a system that has no bleed screw? I've looked up all sorts of video's that show how to pull a vacuum, which I have the valve tool from Schwaben, to do that, and plenty of videos on how to fill the system, but how does on evacuate (drain) the coolant with a do88 radiator that has no drain?

Cheers,

[F4rmost]

A lot of the time to drain the coolant you can just pull a lower radiator hose and have a big bucket. I've done that on plenty of older vehicles.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by F4rmost

A lot of the time to drain the coolant you can just pull a lower radiator hose and have a big bucket. I've done that on plenty of older vehicles.

Yes, that is a way to do that with many cars/trucks and I’ve done that with two other trucks I have that have drain plugs and always there is a good amount of coolant that will come out of the block, especially, but mostly those rubber tubes are at the bottom of the radiator, at least on my tundra and exploder. Definitely I can do that but a there will still be some volume stuck in the do88 radiator. I’d like to know how the procedure is to use vacuum suction to drain the system as there is always a good amount stuck in the block.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

...Definitely I can do that but a there will still be some volume stuck in the do88 radiator. I’d like to know how the procedure is to use vacuum suction to drain the system as there is always a good amount stuck in the block.

Likewise...interested to learn outcomes, findings with suction 'workaround' method.
Assuming regular rad PM practice, seems limited % of old satisfactory condition coolant 'leftover' may not be detrimental to carryover unlike residual engine oil/changes...?

Use/experience [~2yrs, 6Kmls] - Regarding do88 rad, no quality issues to-date. Performs as advertised including several SoCal triple digit ambient temps, occasional autocross, along with super hot days in canyons and stop-n-go traffic. With recent install of CanChecked gauge display, now capable of monitoring actual coolant temps, patterns this summer.

BTW - Same favorable performance indicated with do88 oil, PS coolers [all coolers installed simultaneously]. Nominal oil temp ~220F in most conditions and quickly 'cools' under challenging engine loading. Never observed temps exceeding ~230F.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

Likewise...interested to learn outcomes, findings with suction 'workaround' method.
Assuming regular rad PM practice, seems limited % of old satisfactory condition coolant 'leftover' may not be detrimental to carryover unlike residual engine oil/changes...?

Use/experience [~2yrs, 6Kmls] - Regarding do88 rad, no quality issues to-date. Performs as advertised including several SoCal triple digit ambient temps, occasional autocross, along with super hot days in canyons and stop-n-go traffic. With recent install of CanChecked gauge display, now capable of monitoring actual coolant temps, patterns this summer.

BTW - Same favorable performance indicated with do88 oil, PS coolers [all coolers installed simultaneously]. Nominal oil temp ~220F in most conditions and quickly 'cools' under challenging engine loading. Never observed temps exceeding ~230F.

Thanks for that review. Did you have any fitment issues during install? Did you use OEM hoses or go with silicone? I was looking at using VVT but came across posts on leaking and sounded like OEM would just be less problematic.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

Thanks for that review. Did you have any fitment issues during install? Did you use OEM hoses or go with silicone? I was looking at using VVT but came across posts on leaking and sounded like OEM would just be less problematic.

At that time, did multiple other PMs and upgrades which included do88 coolers.
My trusted performance shop did the work with no reported cooler(s) install/fitment issues of any kind; included rad, oil, PS.

Cooling system specific PMs/upgrades:
[may as well to avoid related 'redos' ]

• System flush; now running w/Red Line SuperCool coolant
• Do88 rad
• Thermostat; OE
• Water pump; OE
• Fan/shroud assy; OE
• Rogue Engineering silicone hose kit

TBD - What/How questions remains for future do88 rad drain/flush...until then

So far, do88 rad performing as expected - - "no runs, drips, errors"

[BadgerPride]

Just installed DO88 radiator and oil cooler 2 weeks ago. I must say I was VERY impressed by the fitment. I had Dremel ready to go but other than taking out a tab for the radiator support (per DO88 instruction) it went in .... uneventfully.

No leaks, welds look good (enough). No leaks. Also I am not a huge fan of the no drain plug design but oh well...

The only issue is since the DO88 oil cooler is a bit larger it interfered with my aluminum under-tray. Have to bend it a bit.

I am very happy with the upgrade... all because of a small inconvenient leak in one of my radiator hoses.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by BadgerPride

Just installed DO88 radiator and oil cooler 2 weeks ago. I must say I was VERY impressed by the fitment. I had Dremel ready to go but other than taking out a tab for the radiator support (per DO88 instruction) it went in .... uneventfully.

No leaks, welds look good (enough). No leaks. Also I am not a huge fan of the no drain plug design but oh well...

The only issue is since the DO88 oil cooler is a bit larger it interfered with my aluminum under-tray. Have to bend it a bit.

I am very happy with the upgrade... all because of a small inconvenient leak in one of my radiator hoses.

What aluminum tray do you have that interfere with the oil cooler? I’m about to install the Turner Motorsport aluminum radiator tray assembly when I do this job and scrap the OEM crap tray that is all chewed up. What exactly interfered and how did you make adjustments?

[BadgerPride]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

What aluminum tray do you have that interfere with the oil cooler? I’m about to install the Turner Motorsport aluminum radiator tray assembly when I do this job and scrap the OEM crap tray that is all chewed up. What exactly interfered and how did you make adjustments?

I have MLT aluminum tray. So on those trays there is a row that extend upward about 1/2" in order to seal the OEM oil coolers to ensure proper airflow. Since the DO88 oil cooler is much larger it pushes everything downward more. That typically shouldn't be an issue since the front attachment point is the front bumper and plastic can flex. The issue I run into is since I have a CF front lip (a very shitty, poorly fitted one) it prevents bumper to flex. I had to bend the tray a bit to make it fit properly. Minor inconvenience.

For the turner tray since it is much thicker metal, I am not sure how much flex you can get. Hope that helps.

[BimmerRob08]

Well, sh-t, I’m hoping the Turner tray has the same shape as the OEM (kinda looks like it) and there is space. Otherwise will have to sell it or not go with the do88 radiator. My OEM tray is trashed and useless. Were you able to determine how much lower the do88 sits at the time?

[Scrippy]

I put my Do88 radiator in about a year ago as I recall but it may have been longer for all I know. I have had zero issues, leaks or coolant loss. I also heard about some QC issues but I did not have a single issue. I remember I did have to cut two little plastic pieces off the factory mount but it was clearly listed in their directions. I just used some precision wire cutters. I personally will be getting the DCT cooler soon. I would give them a 9.6 of 10 for the radiator. Nobody gets a 10 unless the part was awesome and free lol.

[BadgerPride]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

Well, sh-t, I’m hoping the Turner tray has the same shape as the OEM (kinda looks like it) and there is space. Otherwise will have to sell it or not go with the do88 radiator. My OEM tray is trashed and useless. Were you able to determine how much lower the do88 sits at the time?

Probably like 1/2" at max (maybe even less). It wasn't really off but since my bumper is fixed in position by the CF front lip which also probably flexed it upward a bit it was a bit hard for me to fit it in initially. But I think regardless it could work just need time to mess around with it.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by BadgerPride

I have MLT aluminum tray. So on those trays there is a row that extend upward about 1/2" in order to seal the OEM oil coolers to ensure proper airflow. Since the DO88 oil cooler is much larger it pushes everything downward more. That typically shouldn't be an issue since the front attachment point is the front bumper and plastic can flex. The issue I run into is since I have a CF front lip (a very shitty, poorly fitted one) it prevents bumper to flex. I had to bend the tray a bit to make it fit properly. Minor inconvenience.

For the turner tray since it is much thicker metal, I am not sure how much flex you can get. Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by BadgerPride

Probably like 1/2" at max (maybe even less). It wasn't really off but since my bumper is fixed in position by the CF front lip which also probably flexed it upward a bit it was a bit hard for me to fit it in initially. But I think regardless it could work just need time to mess around with it.

MLT tray here too, 'early adapter' version [circa 2020].
Fortunately, no interference, workaround or trim was necessary even with two different CF lip types over time. Still fits well after multiple removals/reinstalls.
Perhaps MLT modified dim specs

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

MLT tray here too, 'early adapter' version [circa 2020].
Fortunately, no interference, workaround or trim was necessary even with two different CF lip types over time. Still fits well after multiple removals/reinstalls.
Perhaps MLT modified dim specs

ADD - intended to share MLT pic earlier