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Topic: Rad Install

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Rad Install

Posted: 7/19/07 7:48pm Message 1 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
Ok I get the rad installed, all goes well. Fill up with water and check for leaks, all looks good. Go for a drive around the block, pull back into the drive  open the hood with it still running. Walk across the street say hi to the neighbor walk back and see a puddle on the ground. It's spraying water at the top neck where it joins into the tank. I thought this all went to easy. I look on the box that it came in, made in China? Is there no quaility in anything anymore? Do ya think this could be resoulderd with the rad left on? I hate doing the same job twice AngryAngryAngry.


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Rad Install

Posted: 7/19/07 7:58pm Message 2 of 12
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
It would be difficult to repair in place in my opinion. It is a very confined area to be using heat. Besides that, if the radiator is of that poor quality it will probably fail somewhere else. I would take it back.
 
Scott



Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 4:29am Message 3 of 12
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Even if you got that leak fixed, I'd be afraid to trust it more than a couple miles from home.


Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 4:44am Message 4 of 12
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Roseland, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966
Vette(s): 1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.
Who's the manufacturer ?
I'm with Crossfire, I would trust that puppy either.



Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 9:23am Message 5 of 12
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6841
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
When you get the replacement, see if you can pressure test it before you install it.


 
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Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 10:15am Message 6 of 12
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Take it back, get a refund, and bite the bullet. It ain't worth the aggravation of doing this more than once. I'd say get a US made radiator, from one of the Vette suppliers, such as Dewitts. Yeah, it'll cost a bit more up front, but....consider the alternative. Just my 2c.
I think the foreign-made stuff is assembled from sub-standard materials...


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Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 10:49am Message 7 of 12
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Becasuse of the lack of environmental laws and cheap labor most brass radiators are made in either China or India. That's where a lot of the mobile equipment manufactures buy theirs. Because of this the quality can be a bit questionable.Shocked


Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 6:42pm Message 8 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
Pulled out the asian rad and will return it on Monday. Called a rad shop and will have original rad recored. I noticed that the original tanks are made of heavier guage material. Should have done this in the first place, live and learn, you get what ya pay for.Unhappy


Rad Install

Posted: 7/20/07 7:22pm Message 9 of 12
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Huntsville, AL - USA
Joined: 11/15/2003
Posts: 857
Vette(s): 1971 convertible,375 HP 350ci,Muncie 4-speed,Edelbrock aluminum heads and RPM air-gap manifold,HEI distrubiter - old school mechanical tach drive. LOUD side exhaust!
Here's another recommendation for a Dewitt's radiator. I got one for my 71 and it was expensive, but it is constructed just as well as the original.Wink Worth it's weight in gold in my opinion.


Rad Install

Posted: 7/26/07 10:07pm Message 10 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic

Should I use thread sealant on the transmission lines where they go into the rad?




in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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