Topic: Radiator remove
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
I'll bet ya dollars to donuts that it ain't the rad, but a hose, loose connection, or water pump.
Check all of those FIRST before pulling that radiator. It's a PITA but doable. Good hints in the threads above (guess many of us have learned those lessons the hard way, eh??).
Think of it as another opportunity to get closer to and improve the relationship with yer ride! 

If you decide to remove the radiator:: I didn't remove the hood when I replaced the radiator on my 74. Remove the fan first, then the shroud. My shroud had been "cut". I Unbolted the hood bracket thats hold the hood open and cut a wooden stick to hold it more perpendicular. Beats having to remove the hood. I bought a Dewitts. I think it was $525 including shipping. My old original 74 radiator couldn't be repaired. Good Luck.

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.
I ordered a Dewitt at Carlisle and came home today to find it on my porch. Kinda felt like a kid at Christmas time. Just had to open it up so I could fondle it a little bit while it's still brand new. This will be a winter project. Have a small leak in an older replacement, so I figured, what the heck, go for the best. It's funny how when you go to these shows it's so easy to get into a spending mood. Show special and free shipping.

Thanks everybody. I sure will trouble shoot EVERYTHING before I even look at the radiator. I like the idea with the wood stick a whole lot better than removing the hood!!! Sundevil, I think you are right on this. My leak is quite a ways back from the radiator. I'm going out right now and crank it up. Maybe I'll have an update real quick...............99% waterpump.I'm either out of coolent or it's interminite. I'm gonna let it cool down and check the fulid.It is dripping right from the balancer but like I said it's not a steady drip. I let it run while I was under the car for about 3 or 4 min and it dripped twice. zgator 2007-09-11 15:09:25
If you can't find the leak, go to Autozone and borrow a hand pump to pressurize the cooling system. Make sure there is water in the system before placing the pump on the radiator. It doesn't take much pressure, just a few pumps. You will probably hear the leak before you see it. This process has never failed me.
Scott
Scott
[QUOTE=aceinthehole]Hi Mike. Maybe the water pump? If you can't locate the exact point of the leak with the engine running, have it pressurized at the local shop. If it is the radiator and you want to handle it yourself, it's not that big of a deal to remove. Disconnect the shroud and slide it back over the fan. Disconnect the hoses and all the goodies atop the radiator ( if it's an automatic remove the oil cooler lines) and it will slide up and out ( its easier w/two people). There are 2 different radiators available for our cars. I upgraded to the 4 row and had to order new rubber mounts, but ,no big deal. [/QUOTE] You are right on the money. It's my water pump.When I go to the Auto parts store am I going to have to say the Corvette word and pay the big bucks or can I just get a water pump for an 82 Impala/ect?

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Best to stick with the exact application. There are a lot of different pumps for chevy.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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Yeah, I somewhat figured that. Maybe someone will have done this and give us some insite. But for right now I'm going to make sure I get the right part. I hate having to take parts back right when I'm trying to install the item I jusy got.
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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