Harrison Radiator Applications & Identification for A-Bodies

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by Brett Slater, Nov 29, 2021.

  1. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    It looks like you are correct in Buick not using the CA embossed code on the passenger side tank.
    It is however used extensively by other divisions from 1968-70.
     
  2. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    It looks like I have learned something new.
    It looks like the embossed CA passenger side tank code was not used by Buick.
    It is used extensively by other divisions namely Oldsmobile from 1968-70
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  3. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    I will dig up some more rads and tags to help in the research.
     
    dynaflow and Brett Slater like this.
  4. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...RocketDevo, collectively we've been beating on this topic for 10 years, mostly for an individual year or radiator. I decided a couple years ago to try to put something definitive together covering '68 - '72. I've lost count of the number of times we've learned something new:). Your input is greatly appreciated.

    The SK was '69-only for 350 automatic GS, the 2-row core SB was used in '68 and '70 - '71.

    I now have tank/core codes for all except CL tag. I'm also missing core code for SU and CE. Buick used a no-trans cooler radiator (SF) for manual trans cars for '68 - '71. Codes changed for '72, and the manual trans radiator code changed to CL. Do you know if that was a no-cooler radiator? Buick used a 2-row core radiator (SB) in '68, '70, and '71 for the 350 automatic GS. In '69, the 350 auto GS got the SK, do you know if the SK is a 2-row? Buick didn't have a 350 automatic only GS radiator in '72. Instead, the 350 auto and 455 auto used the CR. Since Buick stopped using the 2-row for big blocks (400/455) in '69, I assume the CR is a 3-row, can you verify?

    Dano, thanks. Helps clarify the I3/I7 flip-flop and '72 cancelling of both in favor of IG. Unfortunately, I3/I7 remaining on order forms and AMs throughout added to misunderstanding.

    If I can get these last few questions answered, I hope to be able to post results here in a few weeks for review/comment...
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2022
    Dano and Brett Slater like this.
  5. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member


    The SK radiator I have is a 2 core. As I mention before and you can see in the photo it has a 1971 tank date. Possibly was used for another division in 1971?
    The SB and SS code radiators are used by Oldsmobile in 1971 also.
    I have two CE code radiators. One is a two core and the other is a 3 core.
    Oldsmobile used it in 1972 standard transmission applications among others.
    The CE rad tag is IA AA 30.
    I will check further on the rads and tags I have for CL, CR etc.
    I will also upload photos so people can have a visual on these.
    Thanks
     
    Dano likes this.
  6. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...RocketDevo, FYI for Buick GS;
    SK '69 350 auto only.
    SB '68 350/400 auto, '70 and '71 350 auto.
    SS '68 350/400 manual/auto A/C, '71 SS replaced SJ 10/26/70 for 350/455 manual/auto A/C or HD cooling, and Stage 1 manual/auto (no A/C or HD cool).
    Buick used CE for '72 Stage 1 manual/auto and 455 manual/auto A/C or HD cooling. Buick never used a 2-core for A/C or HD cooling. It used a "30" core, same as SS. I'd guess your 2-core CE is a redo.
    Got CA, CE, CF, and CR tag codes, missing CL. I assume CL had no trans cooler since Buick used it for '72 manual trans only, and Buick used a manual-only radiator with no trans cooler every other year. Can you verify no trans cooler?
    Thanks again!...
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2022
  7. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    I will be looking for other tags and radiators.
    I get that the SK tag is for the 1969 350 GS.
    But as mentioned earlier, and can be seen on the tank of the photo I posted, it has a date of May 1971.
    Which would make is for a late 1971 or 1972 vehicle.
    Therefore It must have other applications.
    I have not been able to find what other vehicles it is for other than the info you have posted.
    Again some of the codes Buick uses other Divisions use as well.
    Thanks
     
  8. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...I wasn't trying to say SK was only Buick (or any other Harrisons), my FYI was a summary of radiators from your posts that have Buick applications. Thought info might be useful.

    My Harrison radiator education began by my wanting to simply find out what radiator was original to my '71, which unfortunately has a non-Harrison replacement. Based on my May '71 build date, Assembly Manual showed SS replaced SJ after Oct '70. I "assumed" SS was a newer radiator than SJ until I started this project and found out SS had been used by Buick back in '68, but not again until '71. I also learned from internet that some Buick radiator codes were also used by other Divisions. Made sense, Harrison was another GM Division like Rochester, AC, Delco, etc. What I find surprising is that Buick didn't use any of Harrison's 4-row core radiators for performance models like other Divisions...
     
  9. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member


    I appreciate all the info i have found from you and this site.
    It is difficult to find what code belong to which vehicle.
    The fact you have discovered, that they re-introduced the same code again after initially releasing is very interesting.
    Buick not using 4 cores is also odd.
    Your info on the SK is really helpful, thank you.
    I was hoping to sell the SK.
    I still need to research what else it may have been used with.
     
  10. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...the SB also skipped a year, '69, that's the year Buick used the SK. Another mystery, why not stick with SB, or stay switched to SKo_O. These are kinds of questions that will likely never get resolved, since those with answers are probably gone. Having a '71, for which there is no official source of Buick info is what drives me to do these projects...before I'm gone...
     
    Dano likes this.
  11. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...only way I know is from Assembly Manuals for each make/year, which was tedious enough for 5 years worth of Buicks. Can't imagine doing it for 5 Divisions (well, 4, you're welcome to '68 - '72 Buick when I've finished...
    ...clearly I wasn't only one who thought "intros" were for new radiators:), but it makes sense. A Division gives radiator specs to Harrison, they find (or create) radiator to that spec...
    ...me too...
     
  12. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    I can post photos of info from Oldsmobile that may advance some knowledge with crossover radiators from different divisions
    I will post some info i have from Oldsmobile that may advance knowledge on the crossover Radiators.
     
  13. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...looking forward to it. I recall when browsing internet for info, would occasionally come across posts in Olds boards that alluded to there being more info in their Assy Manual than Buick's...
     
  14. RocketDevo

    RocketDevo Member

    Some interesting points to note.
    The ZR tags I posted, even with the same code the transmission cooler number is different.
    The PB rad code tag is reused among others.
    I believe the CA tag photo is also another code reused.
    The photo with the 4 rads all use the same number 74 transmission cooler code.
    It corroborates its significance as all those rads are used in HD cooling applications.
    They are Chevrolet and Pontiac applications.
    I hope this adds to clarify what’s used, but in some ways it muddy’s the waters.
    I still need to dig for more rads and tags that some have asked about.
    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

    Dano likes this.
  15. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    I have one Harrison radiator with XI & IA tanks. Another with either CK or OK and IA tanks.
    I think the XI/IA is for a 69-70 BB chevelle, not sure if it cross to anything buick. Know nothing on the CK-OK/IA radiator.



    .
    r1a.jpg r3.jpg ra2.jpg ra3.jpg
     
    Dano likes this.
  16. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...done, except SU core code and CL tag data. On to proofreading:D...
     
    BUQUICK and Brett Slater like this.
  17. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    ...ran into a couple snags while proofing, throwing them out to see if anyone can help. First an easy one. SF and SK both show "0" for core code. Info I've received has SK as a 2-row. Can anyone verify those core codes, or that SF is a 2-row.

    Second has to do with I7 cooling option for '70-'71. Order forms and Assy Manual Options Section 0-12 describe I7 as if it can be ordered separately, but both Section 11.4, Radiator Assy Charts show HD cooling only available with A/C o_O. Can anyone verify an original SJ/SS HD cooling rad without A/C for those years (excluding Stage1/'70 GSX).

    Still looking for tank/core codes for '72 CL, and since it's for manual trans, is it a no trans cooler, or plugged...
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2022
  18. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    …here’s what I have on ’68-’72 Harrison radiators. I’m not a Harrison radiator expert, and what’s here is my understanding of everything I’ve read and received from members. If there are errors or something’s not clear, let me know. I had hoped to have a finished document, but there are 3 missing pieces of info; core code for SU radiator, and passenger tank and core codes for CL radiator. I also need to know if the SF radiator has a 2-row core. Based on core code it should have.

    I know ’68-’72 GMAD “build sheets” have radiator code in box 45, and ’68-’71 Flint POBs have code in third box of last line. I don’t know if that’s true for ’72, since I don’t have any ’72 POB examples. Anyone?

    Had to change my MS Word doc to a PDF, hosting software doesn't like docx files. Hope that didn't screw up tables:)...
     

    Attached Files:

  19. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.


    Thanks John for all of time and effort to complete this detailed document. I find it very interesting and helpful.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  20. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Amazing work, John.

    Thank you for taking the time to compile this!

    I spoke too soon: I can't open it.
     
    BUQUICK likes this.

Share This Page