Radiator Leak/Install Questions

[1995 RedVette]

The radiator in my 95 has sprung a small leak in the passenger side plastic tank. To my knowledge, there is no cost effective way to fix the rad?? Any suggestions are quite welcome.

Secondly, how hard is it to pull the old rad, and install a new one? I have located a rad from a low mileage wreaked (hit in rear) LT1 Vette and am thinking of tackeling the swap on my own. I do have access to a GM mechanic at my local Chevy dealer for questions and the odd special tool, but by in large it is my baby. Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

Brett

 

[Edmond]

Brett,

It is easy to do. 2 hours time at the most.

It is straight forward, nothing tricky about it. There is no fixing the radiator, you're just going to have to replace it.

I did it last year with no problem. If I recall:

drain the radiator from the petcock on the bottom of the radiator.

disconnect the lower and upper radiator hoses.

disconnect the tranny fluid hoses.

disconnect the MAF and the air tube.

take off the air filter.

take off the radiator shroud.

there are rubber stops that hold the radiator in place.

The installation is just the reverse and is pretty straight forward.

And don't forget to clean the area where the radiator sits because there will be leaves and other debris there.

Just make sure to use the proper coolant and the proper 50/50 mix.

Make sure the hoses are still in good shape. If you replace the hoses, replace the clamps as well. They're only a few dollars for the clamps.

Last, burp the air out of the system.

 

[1995 RedVette]

Thanks for the run down. Looks like I'll get a chance to start on it this weekend. I'll let you know how I make out.

Brett

 

[Edmond]

Thanks for the run down. Looks like I'll get a chance to start on it this weekend. I'll let you know how I make out.

Brett

Like my physics professor use to sign at the end of his e-mails: "Good luck."

It's a pretty easy job to do. Don't reuse the old coolant. Just use new coolant, don't take a chance.