Replacing radiator this week...

[Edmond]

After finding a crack in the radiator last week, I sealed it with the Prestone sealer and it worked for a couple of days. But she leaked very bad when I started her up on Saturday so I decided to replace the radiator.

I've decided to go with Dexcool. I've heard many praises about it and I'm going to try it.

I'm also going to replace the upper and lower hoses along with the clamps because the cost is so insignificant.

Any other suggestions on the cooling system?

 

[JonM]

Cracked?...do you mean the plastic tanks on the sides of the radiator?...They are replaceable and available you know...Might as well replace the heater hoses and the T-stat whale your under there. Blow out the AC condenser, get a radiator comb if any of the AC fins are bent.

 

[Edmond]

Jon,

The actual aluminum on the radiator is cracked a couple inches away from the drain plug area. Yeah it was disheartening but I did get 16 years of service from one radiator. Got one for $170 that includes a lifetime warranty.

I may as well do the t-stat now that you mention it.

Thanks,

 

[atmmac]

Radiators Are No Fun

I really hate messing with radiators be sure not to scrape the fins. You might as well change your thermostat while your at it and also check out the water pump and see how it is. This is the time for your cooling system tune up since the radiator is out youve got plenty of room to work and no coolant spilling everywhere!

 

[tyrel]

Re: Radiators Are No Fun

I really hate messing with radiators be sure not to scrape the fins. You might as well change your thermostat while your at it and also check out the water pump and see how it is. This is the time for your cooling system tune up since the radiator is out youve got plenty of room to work and no coolant spilling everywhere!

Heh, I hope it's not the water pump, that thing is a BEAR to replace. You have to dismantle the entire front of the engine.

 

[atmmac]

oh well that is really no fun! i changed mine on my impala in about an hour exactly why old cars are easier to work on who knows what i would have to do on my 97!

 

[caninelver]

I plan to pull my radiator and have it boiled. Mine is also an 88 so I'd like to know how it goes for you. If I do I am going to put in a new water pump just to be on the safe side. Twice I put in rebuilt pumps (not in vettes) and after all that work they leaked. Now I only use NEW ones if I can get them. I hear there is a blue radiator hose that will last longer so If I can get one it can go on the bottom. Good luck.

 

[ErnieN85]

The Blue hoses are Goodyear Hi Miler hoses available at summit in a kit. They are supposed to be real good (lifetime guarantee) I used them last time and they did seem much better than the usuall stuff. If you need a water pump TLD-Corvette.com has unmarked from the original manufacturer for a real good price. also make sure you have a spare nipple for the heater hose fitting on the water pump mine froze and I had to make one from brass pipe at the hardware store.