Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Radiator leak

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Radiator leak (1/6)
 8/17/07 11:37am
zgator
Former Member

Send Private Message

Savannah, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1982CE,32,000 and counting. (fast!!) 1981 Vette, black on black. ZZ4 (quick!!)


Joined: 1/20/2005
Posts: 936

I've got a very small leak at the bottom left. Should I get it repaired and get a new one? Can somebody get me a link to that place that makes a real good rad. For right know I'm going to have to use some stop leak just so I can drive it. any help would be useful. Thanks.
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Radiator leak (2/6)
 8/17/07 12:28pm
JimGLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453

Dewitts  - go aluminium
 
 


______________

Lifetime Member #73

The Money Pit.... and my niece

(click to see a slightly larger version)

Radiator leak (3/6)
 8/17/07 12:56pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Black L48 T-Tops


Joined: 1/3/2006
Posts: 1560

I agree with Jim.  I went with a 4 core standard radiator because the local vette guy was able to get me one at a great price.  If I hadn't had that contact, I would definitely have gone with Dewitts.
 
I would strongly recommend a 4 core.  Since I got the 4 core in mine, the temp goes up to 195, the thermostat opens, then the hottest it gets, even in traffic is 200.
 
Be sure to replace your hoses at this time and make sure you have a spring in the bottom hose.  Might as well flush the block at thist time.  Also, block fill the radiator.  In other words, hook up the bottom hose, fill thru the opening in the block until it won't gravity feed any more into the radiator, then top off thru the radiator itself. 
 
While you are this far, you could put in the cutoffs into the heater hoses to cut the heat down in your corkpit.  They are gate valves for the 3/4 and 5/8 inch hoses that go to the heater box underneath the car.  Makes it a great deal cooler in the summer time.  I spliced mine in by the fender well.
 
Also, use the wife's turkey baster (might want to get her a new one) and draw all the fluid out of the overflow reservoir so that you get a new start to all fluid.
 
Finally, change out your thermostat.
Radiator leak (4/6)
 8/17/07 1:06pm
zgator
Former Member

Send Private Message

Savannah, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1982CE,32,000 and counting. (fast!!) 1981 Vette, black on black. ZZ4 (quick!!)


Joined: 1/20/2005
Posts: 936

Thanks DNV. where do I get the cut offs?. I might have then on there allready. They are close to the hoses going into the heater core. Maybe thats what you are talking about? Thanks for the info!!Thumbs%20Up
Radiator leak (5/6)
 8/17/07 1:14pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

IF it's one of the tanks leaking where it's soldered to the core, I would have it fixed. If one(or more) of the tubes are leaking, I'd have to replace. Definitely go with a good unit, such as DeWitts, or Griffin. A little more out of pocket now will save ya in the long run.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Radiator leak (6/6)
 8/17/07 1:16pm
JimGLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453

 NAPA
 
  660-1414
  660-1413
 
 
 


______________

Lifetime Member #73

The Money Pit.... and my niece

(click to see a slightly larger version)

Our Sponsors help support C3VR