Should I try this DIY project???

[00C5Vert]

Guys thisnis my first thread and I need some advice. My 2000 Vert has sprung a leak by way of a hairline crack just above the upper hose on my radiator. I called my local dealer for an estimate and they quoted me $760 (OEM) not including coolant. After taking the gun out of my back... I decided that I can probably do this myself . Since I do all the repairs on my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which by the way has 304, 000 miles and counting, I'm sure if I took my time I could do this too. My question is.... am I biting off to much or is this a DIY project I can handle? Any advice would be greattly appreciated and welcomed .

Rich
Jacksonville, FL

 

[jdeatsch]

I don't understand.

You said: "just above the upper hose on my radiator". Does that mean it's the hose or something else?

Jim

 

[00C5Vert]

There is about a 1 inch hairline crack that has formed on the top of the plastic tank just above the upper hose on the radiator. I would like to try and swap it out myself...what do you think?

Rich

 

[gordy49]

Go for it!

 

[zagger]

Absolutely go for it. Manual trans are a snap, auto is little messier since you have to deal with the trans lines. If you have a way to raise the front end so as to get good access from the bottom it will be a snap. I think I paid somewhere around $300 for an OEM two years back.

 

[00C5Vert]

Hey guys, sorry for the late reply but I been on the road and I'm just getting back. Thanks for the positive feedback and I think I'm going to give it a shot. I located an OEM delco radiator for about $200 and includung coolant and some scraped knuckles I should be able to get it done for under $300. While I've got it out, is there anything you guys can think of that I need to look at or change before I button it back up? Also, does anybody have any feedback pro/con on the DeWitt aluminum radiator? Thanks again guys!!

 

[LVMYVT76]

I like my Dewitt radiator:look for any trash between radiator and a/c condensor and clean this area out good.

 

[00C5Vert]

I like my Dewitt radiator:look for any trash between radiator and a/c condensor and clean this area out good.

Thanks for the tip...I'll do a good cleaning. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress and maybe send photos when done.

Does your vette run cooler with the DeWitt or is it about the same?

 

[killain]

You can do this. Once you get everything up top out of the way you'll see exactly what you need to remove. But take your time, if patience is thin, put down your tools and go inside and warm up. Do a little at a time and everything will work out fine. Good luck !

 

[00C5Vert]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Beginning the job early Saturday morning and I hope to be done by Sunday afternoon if not sooner. I'll keep you guys in the loop.

 

[LVMYVT76]

The car ran cooler with the Dewitts radiator, and it fit perfect, better than the original!

 

[00C5Vert]

The car ran cooler with the Dewitts radiator, and it fit perfect, better than the original!

I've been reading a lot of good things about the DeWitt's radiator and I'm really leaning toward buying one. Even though there is a big price difference, I think having my vette run cooler will reap more benefits and eventully offset the higher cost. Thanks!!!

 

[CAPS Z]

Post pics if possible..

 

[bugman34202]

Good Luck.

JB

 

[zagger]

Rich, unless you have a heavy modified engine you don't need anything other than stock. Your thermostat and fan settings still control the engine temperature and larger radiator will only bring the temps down quicker once the fans and thermostat come into play. Bottom line if you did not have overheating problems before then you will not get them with new OEM radiator. With the money you save you could get a handheld tuner like the predator that will allow you to change the fan on/off settings and help you keep things cooler. Good luck with whatever you decide, Zig.

 

[00C5Vert]

Great advice Zagger! My normal operating temp is always around 187 degrees, unless I'm in heavy traffic then in varies between 190 - 200 degrees. I think I'll stick with the OEM and spend the xtra $$ on something else.

 

[minifridge1138]

I am 100% in favor of DeWitt's radiators.

That said, if you usually run 187 and peak at about 200, then you're doing fine with the stock setup.

My C3 would hit 240+ on a mild afternoon drive. The DeWitt's radiator doesn't get to 210 driving through Texas in July with the AC on.

Just go slow when you remove parts.
Take before pictures in case you need to remember how things looked.
And be careful with plastic clips, they can snap if you use too much muscle.

Good Luck!!!

 

[00C5Vert]

I am 100% in favor of DeWitt's radiators.

That said, if you usually run 187 and peak at about 200, then you're doing fine with the stock setup.

My C3 would hit 240+ on a mild afternoon drive. The DeWitt's radiator doesn't get to 210 driving through Texas in July with the AC on.

Just go slow when you remove parts.
Take before pictures in case you need to remember how things looked.
And be careful with plastic clips, they can snap if you use too much muscle.

Good Luck!!!

This is a great site for advice!!! It's like having you guys looking over my shoulder as I do the job. This really boosts my confidence...thanks!