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Topic: radiator leaking issues

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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radiator leaking issues (11/21)
 1/30/08 4:45pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

You know come to think of it, Glen is right about shroud. The reason I can pull my shroud out is because its been modified into a 2 piece. A person on each side pulling the shroud back and lifting the rad out is the best way.

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radiator leaking issues (12/21)
 1/31/08 1:26pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6836

That idea of using food coloring is great. I need to put that up in the memory bank.Thumbs%20Up

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radiator leaking issues (13/21)
 1/31/08 2:01pm
steves74Lifetime Member
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Klamath Falls, OR - USA

Vette(s):
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles, all original; paint, interior, engine, split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.


Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 1059

I went thu all this on my 74.  Took it to radiator shop and they said it would be taking a chance to fix it and it would probably leak again down the road.  You know it's 30+ years old.  Even checked into buying a new core, but was lots of $. Ended up buy a new Dewitts for $500.  And the car runs cooler...

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Steve, Lifetime Member #129

74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split  bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
radiator leaking issues (14/21)
 1/31/08 3:42pm
MikeMc71
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1970 White L-46 Air Roadster, 1971 White LT1 Coupe, 1971 Red Auto Air Coupe, 383 stroker, 430 HP, 2002 Millennium Yellow Auto Coupe


Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 341

Dewitts is really the best way to go if you don't NEED the originality, although they also have ones that are very close to original as well. I learned years ago, never put ANYTHING into a radiator except water and antifreeze!

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radiator leaking issues (15/21)
 1/31/08 5:54pm
white heat
Former Member

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sand springs, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1978 white w/blue interior it has 80-82 front & rear clips on it


Joined: 5/15/2007
Posts: 97

Cooli forgot to ask you.  is bars leak a bad thing?  i am not going to use it, but was just curious.
radiator leaking issues (16/21)
 1/31/08 5:56pm
white heat
Former Member

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sand springs, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1978 white w/blue interior it has 80-82 front & rear clips on it


Joined: 5/15/2007
Posts: 97

Cool  nah,  i am not much into originality and the car is definitely not
original.  i have looked at some of dewitt's products.  they have nice stuff
 
 
 
karen
radiator leaking issues (17/21)
 1/31/08 6:08pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

[QUOTE=white heat]Cooli forgot to ask you.  is bars leak a bad thing?  i am not going to use it, but was just curious.[/QUOTE]
 
YES!! Bars Leak BAD!!!Thumbs%20Down Bars Leak is the size of rabbit pellets, so it lodges in the tubes of your radiator & heater core. Plus, the worse thing is its mixed with oil. Now does everyone know what happens when oil & rubber come in contact with each other? Can u say mush. I can always tell when a car comes into my shop filled with Bars Leak. You can smell it and all the hoses are shot. Now I ain't sayin I'm entirely against Bars Leak. When I get the car when the customer decides to actually have the leak fixed, I can also sell all new hoses. and that's $ for me.Thumbs%20Up
 
Terry M


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radiator leaking issues (18/21)
 2/1/08 6:51pm
OH6ALifetime Member
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Cadiz, KY - USA

Vette(s):
74 Convertible


Joined: 8/26/2002
Posts: 249

I would also change all of the hoses, radiator and heater, all the belts, the small automatic transmission cooler hoses, the radiator cap, the thermostat and the seals around the radiator and shroud.  I know it will cost more but it is easier with the radiator out and you will really cuss yourself later if you do not.   Now is the time; the car is old.  All of the above assist in cooling.  Good luck! 

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radiator leaking issues (19/21)
 2/1/08 9:44pm
79rebuild
Former Member

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Yelm, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.


Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356

Life gets a lot easier with the hood off when your up in that area! I got a little creative with mine when putting it back together. I mounted everything the radiator, AC condenser and shroud/aux fan and dropped the whole thing back in the car using my engine hoist and a little tie wire, might be a good way to take it out as well.  

radiator leaking issues (20/21)
 2/1/08 11:14pm
white heat
Former Member

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sand springs, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1978 white w/blue interior it has 80-82 front & rear clips on it


Joined: 5/15/2007
Posts: 97

you all have been very helpful to me.  i have taken all of your ideas and will put them to good use.  my sister and i thank you you for your input and i gave the bottle of bars leak to the mechanic out in our truck shop.

thanks a lot
karen
radiator leaking issues (21/21)
 2/1/08 11:15pm
white heat
Former Member

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sand springs, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1978 white w/blue interior it has 80-82 front & rear clips on it


Joined: 5/15/2007
Posts: 97

Cool i shouldn't have to worry about any transmission lines since it is a 4-speed.  is there any other items i need to watch for? 
 
 
karen
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